Lawrence Khong Planks On

FCBC pastor Lawrence Khong wants a judicial review over why he was ordered by MOM to compensate $7000 to a pregnant staff he sacked. Why go through all the hassle, hiring lawyers and grandstanding? Pride, principle, or actually pride but say it is principle.

It is clear and simple that he had to compensate that former staff as his sacking contravened MOM labour laws on firing a pregnant staff who is within 6 months of delivery.

If he so believed that on principle his church staff who had an immoral affair in his eyes tarnished the good name of his church, so be it. Fire her, but give her what is due according to MOM law. The need for a judicial review is over the top. Some of his flock would surely think why is he stinging on a rightful $7000 compensation while willing to spend much more of the church funds on a judicial review. The pastor indeed works in mysterious ways on what he regards as principles. Sack a staff on on principle but compensate, no. Fight in court and don’t want to compensate, yes.

 

Church wants review of minister’s order to compensate axed employee

By Toh Yong Chuan Manpower Correspondent

Thorny questions of adultery, church and state are set to be aired in a rare High Court legal review being sought by one of the largest churches in Singapore.

The case involves a pregnant administrative worker at the Faith Community Baptist Church (FCBC) who was sacked last year after committing adultery.

She complained to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in September last year. In August this year, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin decided she was “dismissed without sufficient cause”. He ordered the church to compensate the woman’s salary and maternity benefits of $7,000.

The church told The Straits Times that it plans to file papers today seeking a High Court judicial review of Mr Tan’s decision.