SINGAPORE — The key prosecution witness in the sex-for-contracts trial told the court today that she had a “special liking” for former Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) commissioner Peter Lim Sin Pang, which began when they first met in Norway in 1996.

Ms Pang Chor Mui, the former general manager of Nimrod Engineering, said she thought that Lim was “nice”, “honest” and “responsible” but did not pursue a relationship as they were both married, the court heard.

Lim, 52, is on trial accused of showing favour to Ms Pang, in return for oral sex, by tipping her off on the SCDF’s need for radiation portal monitors before the information was made public on April 6, 2011.

During cross-examination, Ms Pang agreed said that she has never asked Lim for favours nor expected him to. She also said that she never spoke with Lim about their job scopes and that their relationship was purely a personal one.

Ms Pang also agreed with the contention of Defence Counsels Hamidul Haq and Bala Chandran that when she did not have the impression that Lim’s request for a lift in her car had anything to do with work.

She also testified that the location of where the act was committed was along a road near Lim’s condominium in Tanjong Rhu and not at a car park near the National Stadium, as stated in the charge sheet. ASHLEY CHIA