High Court Adjourns Bloomberg Defamation Trial With Oral Submissions Set for Late May

Singapore ministers' defamation suit against Bloomberg reaches a pause. High Court oral submissions scheduled for May 22 following seven days of trial.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 7:38 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from CNA

Legal Proceedings Enter Final Phase Following Adjournment

The High Court of Singapore has concluded the initial phase of a high profile defamation trial involving Bloomberg and its reporter, Low De Wei. A judiciary spokesperson confirmed that following seven days of testimony, the court has adjourned the matter until May 22, at which point both parties will present oral closing submissions. These submissions serve as the final opportunity for legal counsel to synthesize presented evidence and persuade the presiding judge before a final verdict is delivered. The lawsuit stems from a December 2024 article titled "Singapore Mansion Deals Are Increasingly Shrouded in Secrecy," which focused on Good Class Bungalow transactions.

Ministers Allege Intentional Distortions of Property Data

Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng contend that the Bloomberg report falsely suggested they participated in non,transparent property deals to avoid disclosure requirements. The article cited Mr. Shanmugam’s S$88 million sale of an Astrid Hill property and Dr. Tan’s S$27.3 million purchase in Brizay Park. The ministers argue that the piece insinuated they took advantage of a lack of checks and balances. During his testimony, Mr. Shanmugam stated that internal emails suggested he was specifically targeted, claiming the story was framed as a broader market trend merely to justify focusing on his personal financial dealings.

Disputes Over Transparency and Database Access

A central point of contention during the trial involved the accessibility of property transaction records in Singapore. The Bloomberg article argued that deals without caveats are harder to track and remain under the radar. However, the ministers testified that while such deals may not immediately appear in the Urban Redevelopment Authority database, they are eventually listed in the Singapore Land Authority database once completed. Under questioning, Mr. Low admitted that it is possible for the public to find buyer and seller information through government databases, though he noted it requires effort and expense.