Singapore had 5 attorneys-general (A-G) in the past 8 years, compared to the nearly 40 years served by preceding incumbents Tan Boon Teik (25 years) and Chan Sek Keong (14 years).
Reacting to the new normal, lawyers speculate that higher powers "desire to limit" the office terms, given the wide extent of the A-G's powers. That could be sheer balderdash, as the political incumbents have always weighted heavily on continuity, and sneered at the slightest hint of change.
During Chong's term, one senior civil servant was acquitted of corruption charges, and an academic had his conviction overruled on appeal - after serving an undeserved jail term. And if the public prosecutors don't have a water-tight case, the pastor of a mega church may have reason to rejoice. The mainstream media argue that charges against former chiefs of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) were tendered before he was sworn into office, but much of the mud slinging took place during his term. High profile cases like these must have justified setting up a Media Relation Unit to soothe over controversial charge decisions.
Which makes one wonder why South Korea's Prime Minister had to resign his office. After all, he was not piloting the 6,825-tonne ferry Sewol, nor was he directly in charge of the lax safety standards that may have led to the disaster. President Park Geun Hye voiced profound regret at the systemic and regulatory failings, and could have fired some lower ranking front line officers. Then again, standards of accountability are higher in a First World country.
- Steven Chong, 2012-2014
- Sudresh Menon, 2010-2012
- Walter Woon, 2008-2010
- Chao Hick Tin, 2006-2008
- Chan Sek Keong, 1992-2006
- Tan Boon Teck, 1967–1992
Reacting to the new normal, lawyers speculate that higher powers "desire to limit" the office terms, given the wide extent of the A-G's powers. That could be sheer balderdash, as the political incumbents have always weighted heavily on continuity, and sneered at the slightest hint of change.
During Chong's term, one senior civil servant was acquitted of corruption charges, and an academic had his conviction overruled on appeal - after serving an undeserved jail term. And if the public prosecutors don't have a water-tight case, the pastor of a mega church may have reason to rejoice. The mainstream media argue that charges against former chiefs of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) were tendered before he was sworn into office, but much of the mud slinging took place during his term. High profile cases like these must have justified setting up a Media Relation Unit to soothe over controversial charge decisions.
Which makes one wonder why South Korea's Prime Minister had to resign his office. After all, he was not piloting the 6,825-tonne ferry Sewol, nor was he directly in charge of the lax safety standards that may have led to the disaster. President Park Geun Hye voiced profound regret at the systemic and regulatory failings, and could have fired some lower ranking front line officers. Then again, standards of accountability are higher in a First World country.