In response to media queries on developments in the two hit-and-run traffic accidents on 15 December 2009 that involved the Romanian Embassy vehicle S3401CD, and comments to the media by the Romanian Ambassador and Dr Ionescu on the Coroner's verdict, the MFA spokesman said:
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has summoned HE Aurelian Neagu, the Romanian Ambassador to Singapore (who is based in Tokyo), to a meeting in MFA next week to discuss the charges preferred by the Attorney-General's Chambers against Dr Ionescu after the Coroner had delivered his verdict. A summary of the charges is attached.
Dr Silviu Ionescu's comments carried in the media are outrageous and cast aspersions on the integrity of Singapore's judicial system which are entirely without basis.
The Singapore legal system is widely known for its transparency, integrity and high standards, and has consistently scored highly in international rankings on the administration of justice and judicial independence. In the Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook 2009, Singapore placed 13th in the area of the fair administration of justice, while Romania ranked 37th. In the Global Competitiveness Report (WEF) 2009-2010, Singapore was 19th for judicial independence, compared to Romania's 84th placing. As Dr Ionescu continues to maintain his innocence, the best way to resolve this is for him to return to Singapore to give his side of the story.
We note that Dr Ionescu remains an employee of the Romanian Foreign Ministry. While he has been suspended from his duties, he has not been dismissed. Therefore when MFA meets Romanian Ambassador Neagu next week, we trust that the Ambassador will unambiguously and categorically disassociate the Romanian government from Dr Ionescu's views.
We are also puzzled by the comments reportedly made by Ambassador Neagu in today's Straits Times that Romania had yet to receive evidence related to the case from the Singapore authorities. This is not true. Copies of the documents that were tendered at the Coroner's Inquiry were extended to Mr Alex Coseru of the Romanian Embassy during the course of the Inquiry from 3 March 2010 to 10 March 2010. These consisted of two document folders and eight volumes of photographs.
On the last day of the Inquiry on 10 March 2010, Mr Alex Coseru requested from the State Counsel a copy of the Investigation Report. This was extended to him and he left thereafter, leaving behind the two document folders and the eight volumes of photographs which were earlier given to him.
The Singapore authorities have seen to the due process of the law in Singapore. Singapore will cooperate to the fullest extent possible under our law with the Romanian authorities to ensure that justice is served."
. . . . .
Annex A
SUMMARY OF CHARGES PREFERRED AGAINST
DR SILVIU IONESCU
1) Causing the death of Tong Kok Wai by reckless driving, under Section 66(1) of the Road Traffic Act, or alternatively, by a rash act not amounting to culpable homicide, under Section 304A(a) of the Penal Code.
2) Causing grievous hurt to Bong Hwee Hwa by a rash act, under Section 338(a) of the Penal Code.
3) Reckless driving, under Section 64(1) of the Road Traffic Act, resulting in a collision into Muhammad Haris bin Abu Talib.
4) Two counts of failing to stop after an accident, under Section 84(1) read with Section 84(7) of the Road Traffic Act.
5) Two counts of failing to lodge a report after an accident, under Section 84(2) read with Section 84(7) of the Road Traffic Act.
6) Two counts of failing to render assistance after an accident, under Section 84(3) read with Section 84(7) and under Section 131(2) of the Road Traffic Act.
7) Two counts of removing vehicle without police authority, under Section 84(4) read with Section 84(7) of the Road Traffic Act.
8) Two counts of giving false information to a police officer, under Section 182 of the Penal Code.
. . . . .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
1 APRIL 2010