Jean-Jacques Lavigne's (Chew Eng Han's witness) FB Status 21 May 2015

There is a little bit of confusion over my yesterday testimony in the CHC trial. Some may wrongly perceive my stand as still being very pro-CHC.

I think it is necessary to clarify the following:

1) I am no longer a pro-CHC. I decidedly left the church in June 2013 when I could no longer reconcile what I was hearing at the pulpit and what I discovered and then saw my membership terminated by CHC in blurry circumstances.

2) I was called as a witness by one of the defendants, Mr. Chew Eng Han, to share my views as a then-Executive Member about the bonds and the spirit of the members when the Crossover project was launched and carried forward.
 
3) My stand as a witness was not to express my contemporary views about CHC and all the things that went wrong in the management of the Crossover and other related or not so directly directly matters pertaining to the habits and lifestyle of some of the defendants and near acquaintances.
 
4) Relying on media extracts to make one's opinion is a sure way or getting a partial view at best of a specific situation. Reading the full transcript of my testimony (hopefully available soon on MrsLightnfriends) is a prudent approach to develop a fairer opinion of the exact nature of my testimony and the context in which it was shared.
 
5) Most, if not all the charges laid against the defendants are anchored around the bonds. The DPP's entire case and focus are centered on how the bonds were structured and used, more than the actual specific usage of the funds generated by the bonds. There is thin line there and the DPP is very vigilant about not crossing that line. As a witness, I cannot voluntarily cross that line either unless invited to do so by either the defendants or DPP provided the Judge specifically allows them to do so.

I hope that clarifies my testimony that some may find ambiguous. It is certainly not very comfortable for me neither but I was not there to settle accounts with anyone but to reflect a frame of mind at the time of the events. That I, like so many of us, didn't discern what was really going on is not a subject of pride. At least I find solace in thinking that my wife and I served my friends and the church with love and in good faith. Throughout. I would also welcome any testimony that would contradict my last opinion as an opportunity to repent and make amend if possible! Thanks in advance!