On 7 January 2006, the legal community gathered to witness the official opening ceremony of the new Supreme Court building and the beginning of the new legal year. The ceremonies were held in the new 600-seater auditorium of the Supreme Court at 1 Supreme Court Lane.
Then Chief Justice Yong Pung How addressed those in attendance at the official opening ceremony by paying tribute to the old Supreme Court building. Chief Justice Yong recalled with fondness his own memories of how he had been taken by the grandeur of the old building when he first stepped into its premises some 42 years ago. Though the old building had served its purpose well for more than 66 years, Chief Justice Yong recounted how the increasing demands on Singapore’s Judiciary and court facilities had necessitated a new courthouse. The Chief Justice also took the opportunity to extend his thanks to all who had made this project a success. The new Supreme Court building will serve Singapore well in the coming decades. Its comprehensive facilities and state-of-the-art technology will improve court operations and enhance the quality of services provided to court users. In closing, Chief Justice Yong observed that:
It remains for us, the Judiciary and the legal profession, as the stakeholders of the courts, to infuse it with the justice that we are charged to administer, to make the building come alive and serve the very purpose for which it is built – to become truly, a hall of justice.
The guest of honour, His Excellency the President S R Nathan, then delivered the President’s address,observing that the new building marked the overall progress of the Singapore Judiciary. According to President Nathan, the qualities of our Judiciary were manifested in various aspects of this new building. Whilst its atmosphere was more open and approachable, it nevertheless retained the air of dignity and solemnity that was associated with a Supreme Court. In addition, the various facilities incorporated in the well-planned layout made the new courthouse more user-friendly to all and reflected the link that our courts have with the people. President Nathan reminded those present that the achievements of our Judiciary had not come to pass easily, and had been wrought out of the vision and commitment of all involved. The President expressed his hope that the iconic appearance of the new Supreme Court building would serve as a constant visual reminder of the higher calling that comes from being a member of the Judiciary and the Bar. The President then declared the new Supreme Court building open by unveiling a specially commissioned glass plaque to commemorate the occasion.
The Opening of the Legal Year Ceremony commenced later that morning with speeches by the Attorney-General and the President of the Law Society, in which they both renewed their vote of confidence and support for the Singapore Judiciary on behalf of the Attorney-General’s Chambers and practising Bar respectively. In his speech, the then Attorney-General Chan Sek Keong reiterated the importance of having impartial and independent courts to address the calls of those who come in search of justice. The President of the Law Society, Mr Philip Jeyaretnam SC, in turn impressed upon those present the importance of providing available and affordable representation for all and highlighted the need to enhance the general awareness of the law amongst the public at large.
In his response, Chief Justice Yong spoke on the wide array of initiatives which he had spearheaded during his time on the Bench. These included jurisdictional reforms, the creation of a more efficient case management system, procedural reforms through the Rules of Court, as well as reinforcements to existing legal infrastructure through the development of legal talent in both the Judiciary and the litigation bar. Chief Justice Yong also gave a preview of upcoming projects that would further the Judiciary’s continued pursuit of timeliness, accessibility and quality of justice. Apart from the recent amendments to the modes of commencement of proceedings which had simplified the litigation procedure, Chief Justice Yong highlighted that the Supreme Court would also be re-evaluating the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of existing case monitoring systems and looking into the introduction of a refreshed and improved Electronic Litigation System for the courts and lawyers. The Chief Justice then declared the legal year open on the following note:
We have…transformed our court system to make it relevant to Singapore society. More importantly, we have renewed our mindset and attitudes. A new generation of lawyers has been brought into the fold of the legal service and the Judiciary, with keen minds, compassionate hearts and strength of character. I have every confidence that they will adapt and master any future challenges.
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A welcome reference was held on 22 April 2006 to mark the appointment of Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong. The welcome reference was attended by some 480 guests.
The opening address was delivered by the newly appointed Attorney-General Chao Hick Tin, and was followed by a speech from the President of the Law Society, Mr Philip Jeyaretnam SC. Both the Attorney-General and the President of the Law Society pledged their full support and assistance to Chief Justice Chan’s leadership.
In his response, Chief Justice Chan thanked the Attorney-General and the President of the Law Society for their warm words of welcome. The support of the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the Bar and the Bench, coupled with the legacy left by former Chief Justice Yong Pung How, contributed towards his confidence to discharge the responsibilities that faced him in the days ahead.
The new Chief Justice began by reiterating his determination to uphold the rule of law and respect for the integrity of law and a fair judicial process. Chief Justice Chan highlighted several aspects of the legal system that he would be paying particular attention to. These were:
- The administration of the courts
- The administration of justice, including criminal justice
- The Judiciary's relationship with the Bar
- The rule of law and Singapore's
commercial law
Chief Justice Chan noted that whilst efficiency is vital in court administration, it cannot be allowed to trump the fundamental interest in the fair administration of justice as “both justice delayed and justice hurried can cause injustice”. A proper balance between these two interests would be crucial to maintaining the public’s confidence in our legal system. In a related vein, Chief Justice Chan also emphasised that the strict but fair and efficient administration of criminal justice would remain a key priority. The interests in consistency and proportionality in criminal sentencing practice would be advanced through the work of a newly-appointed panel, which will review how existing sentencing and bail guidelines can be further improved and rationalised.
In the area of commercial law, the Chief Justice affirmed the Judiciary’s continued commitment to developing Singapore’s principles of commercial law to meet the legal needs of the business and economic sectors of our community.
Chief Justice Chan also addressed the need to open a new chapter in the Judiciary’s relationship with the Bar. A closer, more cordial and harmonious relationship would underscore the Bar’s indispensable role of assisting the Judges in dispensing justice. He concluded by urging the legal community to work alongside with him to realise the vision of a justice system that is consonant with the times and which is equal to the best in the world.
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Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong made his first address to new members of the Bar during the Mass Call held on 20 May 2006. A total of 202 new advocates and solicitors were admitted to the Singapore Bar, increasing its strength from 3,212 to 3,414. The Chief Justice presided over the proceedings and delivered an address congratulating the newly admitted lawyers and their parents.
The Chief Justice welcomed the young lawyers into this time-honoured profession and shared his views on the many opportunities available for bright young lawyers in the current age of globalisation. The newly admitted members of the Bar were also reminded to uphold the reputation of the legal profession with the following charge even whilst they sought to make a reputation for themselves:
In every case you take, whether big or small, remember that it is important to someone. For better or for worse, your advice and advocacy as a lawyer affect and change people’s lives. Choose your area of practice wisely and apply your legal knowledge and skills honestly and scrupulously to help those in need, and in the process you will, I believe, find fulfilment in the law.
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Section: The Supreme Court Bench
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