7.
—(1) A defendant who wishes to dispute the jurisdiction of the Court in the proceedings by reason of any such irregularity as is mentioned in Rule 6 or on any other ground shall enter an appearance and within the time limited for serving a defence apply to the Court for —
(a)
an order setting aside the writ or service of the writ on him;
(b)
an order declaring that the writ has not been duly served on him;
(c)
the discharge of any order giving leave to serve the writ on him out of the jurisdiction;
(d)
the discharge of any order extending the validity of the writ for the purpose of service;
(e)
the protection or release of any property of the defendant seized or threatened with seizure in the proceedings;
(f)
the discharge of any order made to prevent any dealing with any property of the defendant;
(g)
a declaration that in the circumstances of the case the Court has no jurisdiction over the defendant in respect of the subject-matter of the claim or the relief or remedy sought in the action; or
(h)
such other relief as may be appropriate.
(2) A defendant who wishes to contend that the Court should not assume jurisdiction over the action on the ground that Singapore is not the proper forum for the dispute shall enter an appearance and, within the time limited for serving a defence, apply to Court for an order staying the proceedings.
(3) An application under paragraph (1) or (2) must be made by summons supported by an affidavit verifying the facts on which the application is based and a copy of the affidavit must be served with the summons.
(4) Upon the hearing of an application under paragraph (1) or (2), the Court may make such order as it thinks fit and may give such directions for its disposal as may be appropriate, including directions for the trial thereof as a preliminary issue.
(5) A defendant who makes an application under paragraph (1) shall not be treated as having submitted to the jurisdiction of the Court by reason of his having entered an appearance and if the Court makes no order on the application or dismisses it, paragraph (6) shall apply as if the defendant had not made any such application.
(6) Except where the defendant makes an application in accordance with paragraph (1), the appearance by a defendant shall, unless the appearance is withdrawn by leave of the Court under Order 21, Rule 1, be treated as a submission by the defendant to the jurisdiction of the Court in the proceedings.