Post by : Badri Ariffin

Singapore lawyer Lim Tean, 61, has been arrested after Malaysian authorities handed him over to the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Tuesday, Aug 11.

The arrest followed his detention by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) on Aug 6 in Johor Bahru, after he left Singapore without permission while on court bail.

Singapore police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding his illegal departure are continuing.

Lim Tean Arrested After Failing to Surrender

Lim had been ordered to report to the State Courts on Aug 3 to begin serving a jail sentence of three months and one week.

The sentence was imposed for practising law without a valid practising certificate.

However, Lim did not surrender to the courts as required. He instead left Singapore illegally while on bail. A warrant of arrest was issued against him on Aug 3, the same day he was due to surrender.

Malaysia Hands Lim Over to Singapore Police

The RMP arrested Lim in Johor Bahru on Aug 6. Five days later, on Aug 11, Malaysian authorities handed him over to the Singapore Police Force.

SPF said it remains committed to pursuing people who commit offences in Singapore, even if they leave the country.

Commercial Affairs Department director Peggy Pao thanked the Royal Malaysia Police for its assistance and said Singapore authorities would continue working with overseas law enforcement agencies to locate, arrest and return people wanted to face justice in Singapore.

Two Men Charged Over Alleged Escape Arrangements

Singapore police have also charged two Singaporean men in connection with alleged arrangements that helped Lim leave Singapore illegally.

Authorities said investigations into the circumstances of his departure remain ongoing.

Why Was Lim Tean Sentenced to Jail?

Lim was convicted in July 2024 after being found guilty of practising as a lawyer for about two months in 2021 without a valid practising certificate.

During that period, he appeared in court for clients on 32 occasions.

In February 2025, the District Court sentenced him to six weeks in jail and a S$1,000 fine.

The High Court later increased the prison sentence to three months and one week on Feb 23, after a judge agreed with the prosecution that the original sentence was “manifestly inadequate”.

Other Legal and Financial Matters

Lim was declared bankrupt in April.

That same month, he was also fined S$30,000 over his conduct in handling money belonging to a former client.

Lim Tean's Political Background

Lim is the founder of Peoples Voice and the secretary-general of the People's Alliance for Reform, an alliance of opposition parties.

At the 2025 General Election, he contested Potong Pasir SMC in a three-way contest. He finished third behind People's Action Party candidate Alex Yeo and Singapore People's Party candidate Williamson Lee.

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