Of course, some indefatigable critics have their own agenda to
bring into disrepute key public institutions. There are those who consider that they have
a right to break the law in order to make a political point or to
ventilate a grievance they might have against the authorities. They
are often encouraged by foreigners in the name of human
rights. We should be wary of this.
The rule of law means that all persons in Singapore are subject to
the law, regardless of their political, ideological or religious
affiliations. To allow certain individuals to flout the
law is to undermine the very basis of the rule of law.
Attacking the judiciary is easy, because judges here traditionally
do not engage in public debate. Neither do they answer their
critics directly.
Unsubstantiated allegations, even if rebutted, can erode public
trust in the administration of justice and shake their confidence
in the rule of law. Respect for the law is something that we lose
at our peril. Once respect is lost, it will take much time and
effort to regain.
-----SPEECH BY THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE LEGAL
YEAR 2007,
Supreme Court Auditorium, 6 January 2007
2.CSJ ,u got it?
3.Even CSJ thinks that AG referring to
him
Before I take issue with it, however, I would like to say that
your reference to those people who "flout the law"
is an obvious reference to my colleagues and I in our campaign of
Nonviolent Action and civil disobedience. But while you speak about
us, you have shown neither the courtesy nor the courage to refer to
us by name.
--CSJ refutes AG on the "rule of law" in Singapore,12 Jan 07
