Mixed Reactions as Some Show Support, Others Call for MP Christopher de Souza to Step Down Following Guilty Verdict of Professional Misconduct

On Tuesday night (Dec 6), news broke that Christopher de Souza, Member of Parliament for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, was found guilty of professional misconduct by a disciplinary tribunal. The charge pertains to his role as a lawyer in dealing with clients Amber Compounding Pharmacy and Amber Laboratories.

The tribunal determined that Mr. de Souza had failed to make “a full and frank disclosure to the court when he was aware that his client had breached the conditions of a search order,” reported The Straits Times. While four of the five charges against him were dismissed, this finding has raised serious questions about his professional conduct.

In response, the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) told CNA that Mr. de Souza has denied any wrongdoing and intends to appeal. “He will argue his case on the one charge, on appeal before the Court of Three Judges,” said the PAP, adding, “We will await the verdict of the Court of Three Judges and determine the course of action necessary after the verdict.”

Reactions to the news among netizens have been mixed, with some showing support for the MP, while others called for him to step down.

Several netizens voiced their trust in Singapore’s legal system and backed the PAP’s decision to wait for the outcome of the appeal before taking further action.

However, there were those who were critical. One commenter said, “He is also Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Good Lord! What was he even thinking?”

Another wrote, “He should step down as MP since his integrity is being questioned.”

Other comments described his conduct as “very shady and questionable,” reflecting the growing debate over his role in public office.