Blogger asked to pay Singapore PM court proceeding costs

Singapore: A Singaporean blogger was on Monday ordered to pay SGD 29,000 in legal costs to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who had won a defamation case against him.

The amount (USD 23,000) is for legal fees and related expenses incurred, and does not include the damages for the lawsuit that have yet to be assessed by the High Court, according to media report.

Justice Lee Seiu Kin made the order in a closed-door hearing with lawyers from both sides present.

"At the hearing today, the Judge ordered that the total costs to be paid by the Defendant to the Plaintiff be fixed at SGD 29,000," said Lee's press secretary in a statement.

The Prime Minister began legal proceedings against the blogger last year after latter alleged on his blog about misappropriation of the public's money in the Central Provident Fund (CPF).

CPF is a compulsory monthly wage deducted contribution that eventual works as financial support after retirement.

Lee stands ready to be cross-examined, a position he has earlier communicated to the Court.

The dates for the subsequent hearings are not confirmed.