MFA sacks official jailed for lying about use of diplomatic bags

His dismissal follows the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings into the 2023 case

- Christine Tan

A director-general at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) who was jailed for lying about his use of the diplomatic bag service has been fired.

Gilbert Oh Hin Kwan, 46, was dismissed from MFA's headquarters on March 27, according to details published on a government gazette that day.

In response to The Straits Times' queries, MFA said Oh was dismissed following the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.

Oh began serving his one-week jail term on Feb 10, after the High Court dismissed his appeal against his sentence, which was handed down by a district judge in May 2024.

District Judge Sharmila Sripathy Shanaz had said then that a fine requested by both the prosecution and defence was inappropriate due to the serious potential consequences for the integrity of the public service and the MFA domestically. She said this justified a jail sentence.

On Feb 10, High Court Judge Dedar Singh Gill dismissed Oh's appeal, saying that the district judge had correctly analysed the facts and the relevant case law.