The Singapore Court of Appeal has dismissed convicted Malaysian drug trafficker Yong Vui Kong’s third attempt to get the court to reopen his case and set aside his death sentence.

Local television station Channel NewsAsia reported that Yong’s lawyer was fighting to overturn Yong's conviction since the man who allegedly asked Yong to deliver the drugs had the charges against him withdrawn.

Instead, Singaporean Chia Choon Leng is being held under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act, which allows the government to detain suspects without trial, the report said.

In court today, the local media quoted Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong as saying Chia has been charged but there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

He added, however, that Chia may be arrested again should more evidence arise in future.

Yong’s lawyer, M Ravi, expressed shock at the judgement, saying he will review the judgment before considering further action, possibly in Malaysia.

A clemency petition with the president has also been earlier filed for Yong, who is from Sabah.

- Bernama