- Han Feizi, a Chinese national, was imprisoned for five weeks and five days and fined S$600 for verbally abusing hospital staff members and quarrelling with police officers.
- She was also charged for violating manpower laws and for recklessly misrepresenting her intentions in a work permit application.
- The woman created chaos in two incidents: one at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), and the other, at a condominium where she engaged violently with a security supervisor.
The Straits Times and CNA shares the in-depth account of the woman’s legal battle.
The Unraveling of the Incidents
Han Feizi, 29, landed on the shores of Singapore with the simple desire to have fun – her words, not mine.
Her means of entry? A work permit, stating she’d be a company’s clerk.
But her intention? Well, she confessed she never intended to clock in.
Shortly after arriving here, she was involved in two uproarious incidents.
The first, an altercation at her condominium.
She became outraged with the condominium’s security guards, hurling slurs and engaging physically with one of them.
The second, a chaotic scene at SGH.
Claiming her foot had been run over by a Grab driver, Han Feizi was dropped off at SGH for aid.
However, when there, she refused to adhere to hospital procedures.
She wasn’t keen on listening, even after the staff politely advised her.
Instead, she became aggressive, throwing verbal blows at both the hospital staff and security.
The Aftermath
These actions caused a stir, making headlines and travelling wildly across social media platforms.
And right in the crosshairs? Our Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Seeing her distress flare up on social platforms, MOM started investigating, trying to piece together the events of that fateful day.
In the process, they uncovered her violation of manpower laws.
Consequently, Han ran the legal gauntlet, facing eight charges in total.
She didn’t contest.
On the contrary, she pleaded guilty, showing remorse and regret for her actions.
Clearly moved by her predicament, she stated, “I will take this opportunity as a lesson learned and I will not reoffend in future.”
Legal Verdict
The courtroom, in response to the case, dealt her a sentence of five weeks and five days in prison, and a fine of S$600.
This certainly wasn’t a small slap on the wrist for a first-time overseas resident.
But the Judge was resolute.
“There was simply no excuse for her behaviour,” the Judge voiced, in strong words drawing a line in the sand.
Foreign Nationals on Singapore’s Shores
This verdict, one might argue, lays down a stern warning for foreigners in Singapore.
There is no leeway for any ignorance of laws, manners, or norms in our multicultural society.
We’re united in our diversity and make no exceptions.
And this case is a stark reminder of the importance of understanding your much-needed obligations as a temporary or long-term resident.
While it may seem a harsh sentence to some, it’s important to remember that living in Singapore means living by Singapore’s laws and rules.
No amount of remorse or plea can dismiss a committed crime.
Therein lies the line, the limit that shouldn’t be crossed.
Abide by it and you’ll find Singapore a paradise.
Cross it, and well, you’ve already seen an example of the outcome.
So, was the verdict fair?
What’s your take on this?
And more importantly, how can we better welcome foreigners while ensuring they respect our laws and values?
