I have to say I find the disciplinary inquiry into Christopher de Souza's, PAP MP and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, alleged professional misconduct a most welcome and valuable development.
Here's why:
1. It should finally convince all of the conspiracy theorists that nobody in Singapore is above the law and anybody - no matter their political stature and party membership - can be investigated for any wrongdoing. In other words, all of the theories about PAP doing what it wants can now be put to rest.
2. It also means that any ongoing cases against any non-PAP politicians are, clearly, not political in nature. I.e. nobody is being persecuted or framed for being opposed to the government.
3. Similarly, the notion that major national news outlets serve as political mouthpieces for the PAP clearly has no basis in fact, as all of them provided quick and complete coverage of the case (so much for propaganda...).
4. Finally, it should show that no misconduct is too small to be investigated if there is basis for it in the law. And in this particular case it is, indeed, rather minor.
The crux of the disciplinary case is that Mr. De Souza filed an affidavit for his client, that did not mention prior use of certain documents, which was legally required.
This was done despite his own recommendation to the client that these documents be disclosed - which the company, reportedly, refused, as commented on by the tribunal: “We appreciate that it is hardest for a legal practitioner to do his duty when the client is difficult. But it is in such circumstances that the legal practitioner must cleave to his or her duties to the court.”
In other words, as I understand it, he told the clients to release all of the information, they apparently dragged their feet on it and he, ultimately, signed off the document.
This is, by the way, the only out of five allegations that still stands. The other four have been dismissed.
Mr. De Souza is going to appeal in front of the ultimate disciplinary body of the legal profession in SG, the Court of Three Judges, and if he fails in his defense he will face disciplinary sanctions.
Meanwhile, PAP announced it will take action of its own upon the conclusion of the proceedings.
Now tell me how can you live under its ungodly dictatorship? :(
