JG-1993
12:44
AGs Office
08
+ 852 877 3978
P.04
Will Osman give evidence against Tan or Saniman?
A8
We cannot answer that, it is an operational matter.
Q9
Is there any means of forcing Osman to return to give evidence?
A9
No.
Q10
A10
Why did the Hong Kong Government drop all charges against Osman? Is it a plea-bargaining deal?
This was no plea-bargin. This system does not exist
in Hong Kong. Osman pleaded guilty to one charge of
conspiracy with Tan to defraud BMF (Bumiputra Malaysia Finance) Ltd of US$292 million (nearly HK$3 billion), which forms a substantial part of the original charges against him,
sentencing is for
the Court.
Q11
A11
Do you expect similar developments will happen to
Tan and Saniman?
It is impossible
speculate
on the
proceedings.
and improper for the Crown
outcome
of
pending
to
criminal
UG-1993
12:45
AGs Office
Q12
A12
4
+ 852 977 3978
P.05
Why did you not seek a review of the High Court's sentence on Osman?
Sentencing is a matter for the Court. The judge allowed four years for Osman's custody in the UK.
The Court of Appeal has said on a number of
occasions that it will not interfere with the judge's discretion. There was little prospect, as we can see, of the Court of Appeal imposing а heavier sentence.
Q13
A13
Was Warwick Reid involved in prosecuting Osman?
Reid was involved in the initial stages of the investigation but played no direct part in the preparation of the case. He was arrested in October 1989 and was immediately suspended from duty.
Q14
A14
Why did the Hong Kong government conceal evidence from the Court?
We most certainly did not conceal evidence.
Q15
A15
Osman was said to be a scapegoat for senior Malaysian Government members and that the British Government had been part of a plot to protect them.
Is it true?
The allegations are totally unfounded. There are no
secret deals and no evidence was concealed from the
Court. It is to be borne in mind that Osman pleaded guilty.
UG-1993
12:46
AGs Office
+ 852 877 3978
P.06
Q16
A16
Is the money involved in the conspiracy going to be recovered, and how?
Those who lost money have initiated civil proceedings to recover the money.
Q17
A17
Osman is the longest remand prisoner in Britain. Is it unfair that he should have been held in custody for so long?
He faced extremely serious charges, unprecedented in our history. And it was the Court's decision remand him pending extradition. remand was entirely his doing.
The length of his
Q18
Has the Hong Kong Government been proposed inquiry by the Home Affairs the House of Commons in England?
told of the
Committee of
A18
The
Hong Kong Government has not been officially about the proposed inquiry.
notified
Q19
Will the Hong Kong Government assist in the inquiry?
A19
If requested, we would be happy to assist in every
way.
Q20
A20
Do you think this matter worth an inquiry?
Whether an inquiry is to be held is not a matter for
the Hong Kong Government.