Singapore Diplomat's Dismissal

In a startling turn of events, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Singapore has terminated the employment of diplomat Christopher Sim Siong Chye following his conviction for a deeply troubling incident involving the filming of a naked boy at a public bath in Tokyo. The announcement was made on April 2, as reported in the government gazette.

Details of the Incident

The case dates back to last year when Sim, aged 56, was fined 300,000 yen (approximately USD 1,908) by a Japanese court for his lewd conduct. This shocking behavior led to disciplinary action by the MFA, which began its proceedings after the court's ruling. Sim had previously held esteemed positions such as a counsellor at the Singapore Embassy in Tokyo and the Singapore Permanent Mission in Geneva, and was recognized with a Long Service Medal in 2016.

Discovery and Legal Action

Reports indicate that while Sim was in Japan, he secretly filmed a 13-year-old boy in the changing room of a public bath. The incident came to light when authorities discovered multiple inappropriate photographs of male patrons on his mobile phone. Disturbingly, it was found that Sim had over 700 such images, which he claimed to have collected over six months. Faced with the police, he deleted the incriminating evidence on the spot.

Delayed Notification

Adding to the scandal, the MFA was not informed about the incident until May 1, 2024, when Japanese media reached out for comments, prompting immediate suspension and subsequent dismissal. It was noted that Sim did not possess diplomatic immunity at the time of his actions since his official posting had ended two months earlier.

Broader Implications