Indonesian helper acquitted of theft in Singapore proceeds with complaint against prosecutors

The high-profile case of Parti Liyani sparked public outcry in Singapore, raising questions about her trial and the evidence-gathering process

She was given two weeks to make a decision on whether to begin disciplinary proceedings against the prosecutors

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Domestic worker Parti Liyani’s lawyer said she wished to return home to Indonesia but believed the prosecutors should answer the allegations she raised in her affidavit. Photo: YouTube

Published: 4:00pm, 15 Oct 2020Updated: 4:20pm, 15 Oct 2020

Parti Liyani, the former domestic worker of Singapore businessman Liew Mun Leong, will press on with legal action against two prosecutors who handled her theft trial, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home) said on Thursday.

A Home spokesperson said Parti, who was acquitted of theft last month, has “resolved to proceed” with her misconduct complaint.

The migrant workers’ group has been providing Parti with lodging, food and financial assistance since 2016, as she was not allowed to work after being charged.

The 45-year-old Indonesian worker’s case was thrust into the spotlight when a High Court judge overturned her conviction for stealing more than S$34,000 (about US$25,000) worth of items from Liew’s household.

The high-profile case sparked public outcry, raising questions about how her trial was conducted and if there were issues with the evidence-gathering process.

Two weeks ago, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon directed her lawyer, Anil Balchandani, to tell him if Parti wanted to continue with her bid to begin disciplinary proceedings against the prosecutors.

The Chief Justice noted after a closed-door hearing on October 1 that Parti’s mind was torn between going forward with it and returning home to Indonesia. He granted a two-week adjournment on the matter.

Balchandani said during the hearing that his client “has been somewhat overwhelmed by the events of the past month”.