I would think it is unlikely for the CAD to seize financial records and computers if not for a very good reason of suspecting that they can get some significant findings.
One thing I have been noticing from the current controversy surrounding City Harvest Church and Rev Kong Hee in Singapore, is the recurring sentiment espoused by Singaporeans themselves.
several times I have come across statements to the effect that the CAD (Commercial Affairs Department) would not move without first doing their homework. by implication, if they move against an entity, that entity is probably at fault.
I'm quite sure that the Singaporeans, like fish unaware of water, do not realise that they have this faith in their government. I see them arguing about the innocence or guilt of CHC, but all seem to take for granted their government body's integrity.
compare that with Malaysia.
if Kong Hee were Malaysian and he were taken in by the MACC to "assist in investigations", I'd probably be joining some 24-hour prayer chain to intercede for his life and limb.
as it is, since he's in Singapore, my thoughts are more like, "hmm, well, let's see how this plays out".
I don't have a very optimistic outlook, mind you. ever since CHC made the proclamation that Ho Yeow Sun was "never a pastor" but just a "volunteer".
I'd rather they'd have just said she was a pastor but is now a hip-hop artiste. at least I could respect that.
I attended their International Pastors' School in 1998 where "Pastor Sun" led worship and conducted workshops. my then church bought a multi-volume video teaching series on how to preach - conducted by "Pastor Sun".
I had CHC letterhead with "Pastor Yeow-Sun Ho" listed second to "Reverend Kong Hee".
I don't know why they had to lie (it's hard to write that L word). but they did. even her Wikipedia entry has been tidied up.
I didn't think much of it at that time, except, "ah, well, she needs to be marketable in the bling-bling, pimps-and-hos crowd, so leave her alone if she wants to hide her good past." (ironic, no?)
but now, some things Jesus said about "yeast spreading through the whole lump of dough", and of "him who is honest in little being honest in much (and likewise for dishonesty)" are really troubling me now, in the light of this current scandal.
I'm not happy about this. but I'm not devastated, either. to quote the movie Jerry Maguire, I've been to the puppet show and I've seen the strings. I know how these things pan out.
whatever happens, the church (the body of Christ not made with hands) will walk on.
I hope things turn out well for CHC Singapore and the folks there. we had some good times together, although of a rock-concert, deep-as-entertainment variety.
Aisehman (