CNA : Court gives go ahead for Koon Seng en bloc sale

Court gives go ahead for Koon Seng en bloc sale
By Zul Othman, TODAY | Posted: 02 March 2010 1347 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Koon Seng en bloc sale, comprising Koon Seng House, a four-storey block of 24 apartments in Joo Chiat and nine pre-war terrace houses on the same plot of freehold land, can now go ahead.

The Court of Three Judges threw out on Tuesday, the appeal of the lone objector to the sale, Goh Teh Lee. It ruled that the 53-year old had no locus standi or standing to carry the suit forward.

Despite Mr Goh's insistence that he had a "very strong case", Justice Chao Hick Tin said he was "very doubtful" of Mr Goh's case after considering the evidence.

Mr Goh, who co-owns an apartment with his ex-wife, had objected to the sale. She, however, had given her agreement.

Mr Goh had also argued that it was unfair for the purchase price of S$21.12 million to be divided equally among the 33 units.

Justice Andrew Phang said: "Between you and your ex-wife you have to act unanimously...besides, your ex-wife's rights also have to prevail. She is just like you - a joint owner."

The collective sale of the houses and apartments was mooted at a residents' meeting in November 2006.

While he was not ordered to pay any costs, Mr Goh will have to fork out S$3,000 to cover the en bloc sales committee's expenses.

If he does not sign the collective order, the Registrar of Supreme Court will sign on his behalf, which will allow the en bloc sale to go ahead.