One of the things that I have to do is to help rebuild my family temple that is in dire need of renovation. I have been associated with the temple for so long that it is a part of me although there were occasions when I lost faith. You have to do what you have to do, that is, to fullfil your obligations and one of my obligations, as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, is to ensure that the temple is rebuilt properly. In that, I have the assistance of the committee who are mainly comprised of my childhood friends. Even though I feel that some of the members of the committee do not deserve to be there, they’re all we have because, as usual, the best never come forward to assist.
I have reached the age of 67 years and it has been a very eventful 67 years. There are many things that I have done that I regret but then a life without any regrets is really not a life, is it?
In my 43 years of practice, I have come across all sorts of people, and I am proud to say that in those years, only one complaint was made against me, the one by the Attorney-General then, Mr Tan Boon Teik. I believe that that complaint was politically motivated because I was defending JB Jeyaretnam.
I have also been betrayed by some whom I consider friends. I have taken those betrayals in my stride although they hurt initially, but I survived them. I do not know how true it is when they say that they are praying for me and for me to live a long time. Most are definitely genuine and true to heart. How many lawyers can boast of such loyalty and support from friends?
My wife would tell me, “I hear my friends say that you are different, you know? Despite all the publicity, you have not forgotten your humility. You never fail to greet those who greet you even if they are strangers. People appreciate that. Don’t underestimate yourself.” Diana will say, “You are a different sort of lawyer. Your looks mislead because you are, in fact, one of the kindest people I know. It is because of your kindness and your compassion that I was inspired to become a criminal lawyer. I don’t think anybody could be what you are. I will try and make sure that we don’t let the principles that you inculcated in us disappear.”
I read the last page of my first book where I said at the end, “Years have passed and I really appreciate that at least some people recognise some of the good things I have done. I have in my twilight years become some sort of celebrity but I wonder how long that will last. People have short memories and very easily you can become yesterday’s hero.”
It has been six years now since I wrote my first book and there is still interest in it. I like to think that I am not yesterday’s hero as people still remember me and as long as some still remember my work, I will be happy. I don’t think I will be writing a third book for my health is deteriorating and I find it so hard to concentrate.
EPILOGUE
A TRIBUTE TO SUBHAS ANANDAN
THE FOLLOWING TRIBUTES WERE FIRST PUBLISHED IN AL-MIZAN, A PUBLICATION OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM LAWYERS, IN CONNECTION WITH “THE YELLOW RIBBON SUBHAS ANANDAN STAR BURSARY AWARD”. THIS EDUCATION FUND FOR EX-INMATES WAS LAUNCHED ON 28 OCTOBER 2OI4 AT THE SUPREME COURT.
“The Singapore Criminal Bar, unlike criminal bars of some Commonwealth jurisdictions, has not been fortunate to produce many well-regarded legendary criminal practitioners. In recent memory the most notable was the late David Saul Marshall.
Subhas is a man of integrity, boundless energy, passion, compassion, generosity and a staunch defender of the Rule of Law. All these called for hard work and commitment which Subhas wholeheartedly gave. When David Marshall ceased practice in 1978, Subhas Anandan was in his 7th year of practice. As you all may recollect, Subhas was notorious then. But in the 43 years of legal practice, he has developed himself into an outstanding criminal lawyer we have today at the Singapore Criminal Bar.”
Rajan Menon
Senior Partner, RHTLaww Taylor Wessing LLP
“I congratulate Subhas on more than four illustrious decades in the law. I had the pleasure of working closely with him and several other senior members of the Criminal Bar during my stint as the Attorney-General. Subhas was always helpful and constructive. I am pleased that his colleagues have chosen to honour him in this way and extend my best wishes to him on this happy occasion.”
The Honourable Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon
“Subhas’ passionate dedication to help his clients, his inimitable style, wit and personality, has made him a giant of the Criminal Bar. Subhas’ cases are legendary. So I am glad that members of the Bar are paying tribute to him through this Journal. And it is a tribute to him that he has continued to fight for the underprivileged in the Courts pro bono, only a few months after being hospitalized. All of us wish Subhas good health.”
K Shanmugam
Minister for Law and Foreign Affairs
“I see Subhas as a man who, beyond his grizzly growl, quietly strives to live life with spiritual purpose and meaning, faithful to his beliefs and convictions. He believes in the need to balance the odds for the underdog, because it is the fair thing to do, the right thing to do. And he just goes ahead and does it, year after year — no pontification, just action. And by his so doing, case by case, regardless of individual outcome, his compassion touches the lives of so many, in so many ways, for the better.”
Benny Lim
Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office
and longtime friend of Subhas
“Mr Subhas Anandan or “Subhas” as he is affectionately known to members of the legal community, has, as a lawyer, made a meaningful difference to the legal landscape, and in particular, to the administration of criminal justice.
For almost four decades, he has taken on a number of the most problematic criminal cases and represented a number of disagreeable individuals. Despite this, he has achieved some notable legal successes. Not a few of his cases have become landmarks in the legal landscape. Subhas is well respected by Bench and Bar for his admirable forthrightness in the presentation of his legal submissions and an uncanny legal acumen that can identify the most persuasive points to be made even in apparently “hopeless” cases.
He has been a pioneer in promoting pro bono services long before this gained recognition as constituting an essential facet of legal practice. In establishing the Association of Criminal Lawyers, Subhas has given the Criminal Bar a distinctive voice that is not just heard but one that has also often influenced policy making. His remarkable resilience, extraordinary fortitude and boundless optimism in overcoming many professional and personal challenges bear further mention. All in all, he is a lawyer with a good head, a big heart and an “uncommon’ touch”. The legal community is indebted to Subhas for his many noteworthy contributions.”
VK Rajah, SC
Attorney-General of Singapore
“It really is a pleasure having to say something concerning Subhas. It would be difficult if not well-nigh impossible to write a short note on Subhas. His care and concern for his clients is exemplary and sterling. His attitude and concern became a hallmark in rendering service to his clients. It is quite frankly a hard act to follow. Subhas pays very little heed to fees. His openness and frank remarks became legendary. Subhas is justly and fondly regarded as the Father of the Association of Criminal Lawyers in Singapore. This is regarded as one of Singapore’s pro bono legal organisations. The fact that ACLS is recognised as a true and respected participant of the legal profession in Singapore is due to a large measure the role Subhas has played.”
Harry Elias, SC
Founder and Consultant, Harry Elias Partnership
“I am privileged to have been asked to add a few words to the tributes which Subhas richly deserves. I have had the honour of knowing him since his admission to the Bar, and to have been a neighbor of this extraordinary man for some 14 years. His courage as an advocate, combined with his knowledge of criminal law and procedure, stand him out as a leading practitioner of that branch of the profession. I should add that, when required, he affects a fearsome demenour which only adds to his persuasiveness. These qualities he readily makes availabl
e gratis, to those who cannot afford his fees.
Subhas has not been in the best of health recently, but as his friends and colleagues fully expected, he has battled through his problems, and it is a pleasure and a relief to see him, surrounded by colleagues, pupils and diverse admirers, holding forth at the Singapore Cricket Club during lunch adjournments, ready to battle on when hearings resume.”
Joseph Grimberg, SC
Consultant, Drew & Napier LLC
“I have known Subhas for many years. He is an honourable and distinguished member of our legal profession. He always tries to present the best possible case for his clients. He is kind and helpful. Let me share with you an incident which showed Subhas’ generosity and pro bono work.
In 2002 Subhas represented Lam Chen Fong, a remittance agent who was faced with more than 1,000 charges of criminal breach of trust. The money belonged to more than 1,000 Chinese workers. It was their hard-earned money. A total of the $9 million of the Chinese workers’ salaries did not reach their loved ones in China. The Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) could only recover about 10 per cent of the money despite its best efforts. Understandably, the victims were very emotional and distressed over their losses. I was then the Director of CAD and I informed Subhas that the accused had paid his legal fee from the fruit of his crime. I told him of the plight of the victims and that it would go a long way if he could donate his legal fee to the victims. Subhas graciously agreed and a cheque of $20,000 was given to the victims. He continued to represent his client on a pro bono basis. He is indeed a man with a big heart and has done the legal profession proud.”
Justice Tan Siong Thye
“Subhas and I were colleagues in my early years of practice. Subhas taught me that criminal practice is about compassion and helping others. Beneath that outward gangsta appearance is a man known for his humour, generosity and heart of gold. He is a friend in need, a friend indeed.”
Tan Chee Meng, SC
Deputy Managing Partner, Wong Partnership
“Subhas is a legend in the legal fraternity. While he is respected for his integrity, sense of fair play and professionalism, it is his heartfelt compassion for and devotion to the cause of the downtrodden that have made him a giant among lawyers. His is a remarkable story of a man whose courage and convictions have become the stuff of folklore. Subhas has always endeavoured to use the law to serve the cause of righteousness. He has taken so many firm steps in that noble and admirable journey that the huge and enduring footprints that they formed will never be filled by anyone else.”
Davinder Singh, SC
CEO, Drew & Napier
“Subhas is a very special lawyer and friend. His immense contribution to the Criminal Bar in Singapore is unparelled. I once asked Subhas why he chose to defend someone accused of a particularly serious offence and pro bono to boot. He replied, “My client is innocent and even if he is found guilty, he probably made a mistake and everyone makes mistakes. But that is no reason why he should not get the best defence possible.” I believe that this shows the true measure of Subhas.”
Michael Palmer
Director, Quahe Woo & Palmer LLC
SPEECH BY SUBHAS ANANDAN ON THE OCCASION OF “A TRIBUTE TO SUBHAS ANANDAN”, ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM LAWYERS, 28 OCTOBER 2OI4, AT THE SUPREME COURT.
The Honourable Mr SR Nathan, The Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs & Law, The Honourable AG, Justices of Appeal, Judges and Judicial Commissioners, Supreme Court, District Judges, distinguished guests and friends.
I thank the Muslim Lawyers Association for organising this tribute to me and it is even more prestigious for me because it’s a Muslim organisation that is honouring a non-Muslim, and I think this happens maybe only in Singapore. That shows our religious harmony. I thank the Minister, Mr Shanmugam, for visiting me in the hospital and at home and to tell me that I should not resign from the committees that he has appointed me to because he was confident I would recover and be back on my feet. He told me that one of the first things I can do is to go to the temple where I’m the Chairman of the Board of Trustees to pray. And I said, “OK”. Today I think on hindsight prayers, not only mine but everybody else’s prayers, have been answered in a limited way because I still have to go for retreatment.
I must thank Court of Appeal Justices Chao Hick Tin and Andrew Phang. When I appeared before them on a pro bono case, the first thing Justice of Appeal Chao said was, “Mr Anandan, it’s good to see you back in court.” And Justice of Appeal Andrew Phang told me, “You don’t have to stand up, you can sit down and conduct the case.” I declined the offer because I can’t imagine appearing in the highest tribunal sitting down. But this shows the compassion of these two judges. I thank you for that. I’m really touched.
I went for a lunch organised by the Muslim Lawyers Association. I saw Mr VK Rajah, who came to talk to me. He was just made AG and he told me, “You’re looking better and you got my email. You can always send me an email and I will create the time for you to have thosai lunch with you.” And that offer coming from a man … is so special. I was really privileged, was very happy. I’ve not taken up the offer yet but I can tell you I will.
I went to the Subordinate Courts. I saw the presiding judge. Mr See Kee Oon came out to welcome me and said it was good to see me. He said all the judicial officers of the state courts know your condition. If you are tired, you just have to tell them and there will be a break. And when I appeared before District Judge Shaiffudin to conduct a case, he told me in chambers as well as in open court, “If you’re tired, Mr Anandan, just sit. We will adjourn the cases on dialysis days, that is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you inform us early, we will do that.” I was very touched by the way the Judicial Officers treated me. The compassion they have shown and I said to myself, “The accused persons will be very lucky because it seems that there is a change in the judicial temperament. It seems to be more compassionate.” I was in the sub courts, I saw young DPPs coming towards me saying, “Mr Anandan, it’s good to see you.” When I went to the AG’s Chambers for a meeting, the senior DPPs came to see how I was. One young DPP whom I did not know came to talk to me. I was very proud of the fact that at least today we don’t behave as though we are enemies. At least there is friendly attitude and I think the new AG can enhance this relationship even better and I hope he does.
Now there are others I would like to thank. I can’t name everybody. But I must thank my fellow senior partner, Rajan Menon, for visiting me quite frequently in the hospital and in my home. When I told him I wanted to retire as a senior partner, he said, “No. You don’t decide when you retire. We will decide when you should retire. And when we say that, you do that. You just get well.” I’m grateful to him for that.
Then I’m grateful to my nephew, Sunil Sudheesan, who is a junior partner of the firm, and Diana Ngiam — they said she is the daughter I did not have and I thank God I did not have her [laughter]. They took my department through stormy weather and held the ship steadfastly and they are still holding the fort. They are my left and right hands and without them, I’m not actually much.
I must thank Lawrence Quahe, Chris Woo, Michael Palmer, Chentil and the partners of Quahe, Woo & Palmer for visiting me often in the hospital and coming to my home with lunch and telling me, “You should not worry because whatever happens, there will always be a space for you and your team in our place. So do not ever worry about the future. We will always be there to take care.” I said I am in an enviable position as my firm has not asked me to retire yet. So you have to put it on hold but I thanked them for the friendship they have shown me.
I must thank two other people, Bajwa and my old friend Angela Lee. Both of them would come and sit beside me whenever they can when I am undergoing dialysis. It is a very depressing procedure. They tried to cheer me up. I thank them.
And Joe Grimberg, my neighbour, visited me in hospital, came to the house many times. He is on the 13th floor and I am on the 10th. Visiting my house was not
a big deal. But he came and told my wife, took her one side and said, “I am a rich old Jewish man,” as though we didn’t know he is a man. “I got a lot of money, why don’t you give me all the medical bills and I can settle it.” The bills were quite high but my wife said, “No, it’s okay. We can manage.” “Promise me one thing, if you ever want any money, just tell me.” And while I was in hospital, he gave Edward D’Souza a blank cheque saying if whenever I needed the money to draw on it. I’m really grateful to Joe Grimberg for that kind gesture. Mr Edward D’Souza, who is a bachelor, shrinking away as you can see. He rang up my wife to say, “You know, I am a bachelor. I got a small flat and I don’t need much money. All that is yours to give Subhas the best treatment.” I thank you also Eddie for your generous offer. Both of you don’t tnink you have escaped. I may call upon you.
With Joe at our condo garden.
Now, finally, to talk about my family. Right now I have three siblings. My eldest, Dr Subhashini, she is not only my personal physician but personal physician for all my siblings. And I am not exaggerating when I say my sister, my Chechy, as I said has saved my life a number of times — by being there, staying with me in hospital and looking after me.
My brother, Sudheesan, gave me the confidence and courage that otherwise I will not have because I know he is there. Silently strong, and you know he is so dependable. Never lets you down.
My younger sister, Sugadha. She was my spiritual supporter. She does all the religious things necessary for my well-being. Spends hours with me in my house listening to bajans and music. I owe her a great deal too.
My late brother, Surash, who died 14 years ago, trying to save passengers from a burning plane, was my greatest fan. I still miss him a lot. He contributed to what I am. My siblings and my parents together made me what I am today. They moulded my character. So if I have done anything bad, blame them, not me.
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