Lee Kim Tah Group, a prominent Singaporean property and construction firm, has responded to litigation initiated by the former Managing Director of its Indian subsidiary, L&W Construction. The legal proceedings, taking place in Bengaluru, follow the termination of Asaithambi Manickam, effective from 29 June 2026. The company has issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the termination, which it claims are unrelated to ongoing shareholder disputes.
The controversy stems from allegations of misconduct dating back to 2023, when CapitaLand reported potential bribery involving L&W employees. Subsequent whistleblower complaints led to a comprehensive investigation by KPMG, revealing serious breaches of fiduciary duties and company policies. These included improper vendor transactions, misuse of resources, and unauthorised payments.
Despite the findings, Lee Kim Tah alleges that its joint venture partner, Woh Hup Holdings, delayed action against Manickam. The company claims that Woh Hup’s representatives obstructed efforts to address the misconduct, including instructing KPMG to omit evidence of bribery from reports.
The case highlights the governance challenges faced by Singaporean firms operating overseas, particularly when day-to-day control is shared with local partners. Lee Kim Tah emphasises its commitment to ethical business practices and intends to address the legal claims through the appropriate channels in Bengaluru.
As the court proceedings continue, the company seeks to correct public misconceptions and reinforce its dedication to integrity and transparency in its operations.
