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Bus stops defaced with graffiti

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Text in apparent support of CPF blogger

She saw police cars at Fort Canning Park around noon yesterday. So Ms Jacquelyn Chua, 35, a sales manager, called the The New Paper hotline.

When we went there, we realised it was a case of vandalism.

We found at least five bus stops, spread over a 600m area, defaced with text in apparent support of Mr Roy Ngerng, the blogger who insinuated that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was "misappropriating" CPF money.

The phrases "We support CPF blogger" and "Return CPF money" were written in block letters with a black marker pen. They were written on the front and back of the bus service information panels.

When TNP arrived at the scene at about 12.30pm, police officers were seen conducting their investigations and relaying their observations via communication radios.

They were also observed dusting the defaced panels at a bus stop before moving to the next affected one.

Police confirmed that a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing.

This latest incident comes after five boys were charged two weeks ago for allegedly spraying graffiti on the rooftop of Block 85A in Toa Payoh.

A train at SMRT's Bishan Depot was also reportedly defaced on May 5.

The penalty for vandalism is a fine of up to $2,000 or three years' jail, with at least three strokes of the cane.

Mr Ngerng posted the allegations on May 15. Last Sunday, in a letter of demand, Mr Lee asked that the post alleging the misappropriation of CPF funds be taken down immediately and that Mr Ngerng pay for his legal costs and compensate him for damages.

PM Lee also asked for an apology.

Yesterday morning, Mr Ngerng apologised on his blog and in a letter to PM Lee. He admitted and acknowledged the allegation was false and "completely without foundation."

But Mr Ngerng is appealing against damages.

A letter sent by his lawyer, Mr M Ravi, yesterday morning to Mr Lee's lawyer, Mr Davinder Singh, stated that Mr Ngerng, a health-care worker, earns a modest income.

In response, Mr Lee's lawyers said Mr Ngerng has until 5pm on Monday to submit his written offer of damages and costs, failing which legal action will start.