Former NKF directors want to tell their side of the story

Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 25 April 2006 1713 hrs
By Rita Zahara, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : Former National Kidney Foundation chief executive TT Durai and two of the board's former directors say they look forward to having their side of the story heard in court.

Besides criminal charges, they now face civil suits filed against them by the new NKF board.

Durai told Channel NewsAsia he has also appointed two separate lawyers to act for him in the criminal and civil cases.

Sant Singh of Sant Singh Partnership will act for him in the criminal suit, while Senior Counsel Chelva Rajah from Tan Rajah & Cheah will be acting for him in the civil suit at the High Court.

Also named in the civil suit are NKF former director Matilda Chua and Pharis Aboobacker, a director and shareholder in various companies which had business dealings with NKF.

Chua's lawyer, Cheah Kok Lim, declined comment.

But former NKF chairman Richard Yong and former treasurer Loo Say San were somewhat relieved, their lawyer Chia Boon Teck said.

Said Mr Chia, "Our preliminary response to the suit -- there are two sides to every coin. My clients have been wanting but have not had the appropriate occasion to share their side of the story with everyone. With this suit they are somewhat relieved that they will eventually get an opportunity to share their side of the story with everyone at the appropriate time and place." - CNA /ct