A man who was banned from entering Singapore over two decades ago has pleaded guilty to charges related to his return under a false identity. He was caught after living in the country for nearly 20 years, getting married, and starting a family.
The Background
In 1998, the man, then known as Malik Irfan Arshad, was convicted of cheating and giving false information to a public officer. After serving two months and 10 days in jail, he was permanently barred from entering Singapore.
However, just one year later, in 1999, he came back using a new name, Muhammad Salman. Under this false identity, he built a new life for himself. He found a job, got married, and even had children. He was so established that he eventually applied for and was granted permanent residency in 2002 and citizenship in 2007.
Why He Did It
During the court proceedings, his lawyer, Mr. Teo Choo Kee, explained that the man’s actions stemmed from a desire for a better life.
“What he had done was something that took place more than 20 years ago, when he was still a young man, and he wanted to seek a better future in Singapore. But unfortunately, he employed the wrong method, using a false identity,” the lawyer said.
Mr. Teo also stated that after starting his family, he felt stuck in his lie. “Having come to Singapore under a false identity, he started working and got married. It was in these circumstances that he felt he had little choice but to continue this facade, especially after starting a family,” the lawyer added.
The Prosecution’s View
The prosecution, represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Zhou Yihong, argued that the man’s actions were not just a one-time mistake.
“His conduct is blatant. He has no qualms about lying to the authorities repeatedly,” she stated.
She pointed out that the man’s initial crimes in 1998 were also related to lying to public servants. The DPP also highlighted that the man had benefited from his lies for nearly two decades. “His offences are continuing in the sense that the benefits were maintained and continually enjoyed by him,” she explained.
The man will be sentenced at a later date. He faces serious penalties, including potential jail time and fines.
