Lim Tean arrested in Malaysia after failing to surrender to Singapore

Singapore opposition politician and lawyer Lim Tean was taken into custody by the Royal Malaysia Police in Johor Bahru on 6 August 2026 after he did not appear to begin a three‑month‑and‑one‑week jail term in Singapore. The Singapore Police Force confirmed the arrest, said Lim had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, and noted it was working closely with Malaysian authorities to secure his return.

Lim, 61, was convicted in July 2024 of three offences under the Legal Profession Act for practising law without a valid practising certificate. He was initially sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment and a S$1,000 fine. Both he and the prosecution appealed; the High Court increased the sentence to three months and one week in February 2026. Lim was required to surrender on 3 August 2026 but failed to do so, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant that same day. He also serves as secretary‑general of the Perikatan Rakyat for Pembaharuan (PAR).