NANAWAN WOULD KHAN “ACTIVELY MAINTAIN THE LIE”
Under cross-examination by Singh’s lawyer Andre Jumabhoy, Mr Nathan agreed that after Ms Khan’s meeting on Oct 12, 2021, he was concerned that the WP had not come up with a” suitable plan” for her to come clean.
And did you say that Ms. Khan may lay some more in the presence of a sound plan? Mr Jumabhoy asked.
When Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan sought clarity, the prosecutor specified that he meant “actively” telling more lies, and not just no telling the truth.
” At that very specific point in time, I did say “yes” due to the circumstances we were in. At that very specific point in time”, Mr Nathan admitted.
He said this was because of” the situation, the group leaders ‘ guidelines for times” and” the lack of a proper strategy” when Ms Khan called him after the meeting on Oct 12, 2021.
” So at that point, I vacillated, yes”, he said.
In Ms. Khan’s fake story, Mr. Nathan claimed that Mr. Jumabhoy’s assertion that this meant that his place was “actively lying some more” and that it was “actively maintaining the lie.”
Then, Judge Tan posed the question,” What Mr. Nathan envisages Ms. Khan doing to actively retain the lie.”
I had suggested to her that she clarify the sexual assault victim’s years when she had first met her in the women’s support team. She might proceed and understand the age because she is so “active” in that regard. But do n’t come forward and claim that she lied about following the victim to the authorities place,” said Mr. Nathan.
Judge Tan then inquired from Mr. Nathan if he thought he might have Ms Khan telling the officers these fresh details about the alleged assault survivor’s age as they were then conducting their investigation into Ms Khan’s claim.
” I do n’t recall if my comment was about the police investigation in particular or just in general.” Like, for instance, if she were to get asked about it again”, he said.
Mr. Nathan claimed there had been” some question” in previous meetings with Ms. Khan regarding the woman’s true age, but he could not recall the time of those conversations.
Because you do n’t want to be the person who makes the suggestion, Mr. Jumabhoy was asked. Mr Nathan disagreed.
Eventually, the attorney referred to a message Mr. Nathan had sent on October 12, 2021 in a talk room, saying,” First of all, I think we should just never offer too many details. At most apologise for not having the facts ( about ) her age accurate”.
This was removed from Mr. Nathan’s information presented to the COP.
Under questioning, Mr. Nathan claimed that he had no idea whether he had actually proposed this idea at a meeting that he and another WP corps Loh Peiying and Singh held later that evening, on October 12, 2021.
He acknowledged that he was unsure whether WP leaders may be able to handle the situation “in a way that minimizes the party’s financial loss at the time.”
He added that the party did not have a” suitable plan” and that it should have done so for Ms. Khan to come clean, as the plan was to” come clean but not mention her sexual assault.”
Last year, Ms. Loh acknowledged in her testimony that Mr. Nathan had suggested to keep the lie during the meeting with Singh.
She also agreed that Singh had responded by saying,” Do n’t even suggest covering this up with another lie.”
Mr. Jumabhoy responded to Mr. Nathan when he inquired about whether he had made the suggestion to Singh and that he had no forgotten.” I’m quite sure I did n’t ask him to.”
The lawyer finally asked him if he did understand what he had said at the Oct 12, 2021, meet.
Mr Nathan apologised:” Sorry, I misspoke”.
Mr. Jumabhoy said,” You misspoke on two days then,” referring to Mr. Nathan’s testimony from his first day on the walk and not remembering whether he had suggested it to Mr. Singh.
After a pause, Mr Nathan said:” I’d like to apologise to the court. Having reflected, I ca n’t recall. because we discussed a lot of topics that morning. And there are things I do recall, but I do n’t recall having put this suggestion to Mr Singh”.
” This feels like Who Wants To Get A Millionaire. Is that your last solution”? Mr Jumabhoy asked, referring to the tv game show.
” Yes”, Mr Nathan said.
He continued, stating that he only believed the WP had a “proper strategy” when he learned that Singh may make it clear that Ms. Khan had been sexually assaulted when she admitted lying.