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Heavyweight promotions in AGC

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Second and Third Solicitor-Generals moved up

Next month, law heavyweights Kwek Mean Luck and Mavis Chionh will take on the roles of Solicitor-General and Second Solicitor-General, respectively.

Currently Second Solicitor-General and Third Solicitor-General, both have figured prominently at the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC).

In October, Mr Kwek successfully argued the high-profile appeal that led to the conviction and sentence of a woman, who lived as a man, to 10 years' jail for sexual abuse of a girl.

Senior Counsel Chionh, 47, burnished her stellar credentials by recently stewarding the prosecution of Kong Hee and others from City Harvest Church.

It was one of the longest-running trials in Singapore legal history, spanning more than 140 days, and led to the conviction of six last year.

The parties are awaiting the outcome of appeals by the accused and the prosecution.

Mr Kwek, 43, has risen rapidly, having rejoined the Legal Service from the elite Administrative Service last year after being persuaded by Attorney-General V. K. Rajah.

The Cambridge-educated Overseas Merit Scholarship holder and former district judge was made Second Solicitor-General last July.

Mr Rajah said yesterday: "I am glad that I had a meaningful role in persuading him to rejoin the Legal Service (and AGC).

"Mean Luck's skills, experience and track record make him more than well qualified to take on the responsibilities of the Solicitor-General."

Mr Kwek once explained his philosophy, gleaned from doing volunteer work with a charity: "You walk with the poor rather than give to them.

"The moment you go in there thinking you are the one giving, the whole relationship is wrong - people never rise and you don't create the space for them to rise and succeed."

Mr Rajah said he had worked with both officers "over a substantial period of time", pointing out that Ms Chionh's latest appointment is a recognition of her contributions.

She was appointed Third Solicitor-General four months ago.

He added it was also an " affirmation" that the Monetary Authority of Singapore Scholarship holder, "will play a significant role in leading AGC towards institutional excellence."

OUTSTANDING CHOICE

Drew & Napier's senior counsel Cavinder Bull said: "Kwek Mean Luck is an outstanding choice for Solicitor-General.

"He is intellectually strong and has a good moral compass, both attributes which I think will see him serve well in an important position."

He added: "Ms Chionh has the perfect blend of temperament and experience for her new appointment, having served for over 20 years as a judicial officer and then as a prosecutor."

The appointments will take effect from Jan 14.

Mr Rajah, who will be succeeded as Attorney-General by corporate lawyer Lucien Wong, 63, also from that day, said the appointments assure him that he "will be leaving AGC with a very strong leadership team in place".

COURT & CRIMESingaporeMonetary Authority of Singapore