The Opposition wants Minister David Lee out of Cabinet after a court ruling. Government members have hit back.
The Opposition People’s National Movement is calling on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to remove Housing Minister David Lee from Cabinet after a High Court ruling cleared the way for a fraud prosecution against him to proceed. Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales made the call after Wednesday’s judgment. Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath accused the Opposition of hypocrisy and noted Lee would keep his seat as an MP.
On Wednesday, Justice Westmin James dismissed Lee’s judicial review and constitutional claim against the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General. The judge found the proceedings did not automatically end when Lee was discharged. He also found Lee had no right to be consulted before the warrant reviving the charges was issued. He rejected the abuse-of-process complaint, and he noted Lee can still take further legal action.
Lee and businessman Hugh Leong Poi were charged in 2022 with conspiring to defraud the State of about $1.4 million in taxes tied to a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG. Prosecutors allege Lee used his MP’s tax exemption on a vehicle meant for Leong Poi. A magistrate discharged both men in April 2025. After the DPP’s successful High Court challenge, they were rearrested on Oct. 7, 2025, and granted bail. Lee has previously called the 2022 charges a political witch hunt.
Political scientist Dr. Bishnu Ragoonath said the ruling does not compel the Prime Minister to remove Lee. Government figures say that decision is hers alone. Efforts to reach Persad-Bissessar and Lee were unsuccessful, according to CNC3.