Costs in the course

An extremely pleased leader of the Singapore contingent at the recent Bench and Bar Games, the Honourable the Chief Justice Yong Pung How's address at the Games Dinner and Dance was characteristically witty and drew audible chuckles from both sides of the Causeway when his Honour made a Declaratory Order on the success of the Games, challenging all present to appeal against the same if they were dissatisfied as his Honour had his Grounds of Decision all ready.

After noting the unprecedented turnout of the entire strength of the Bench of the Supreme Court at the Dinner, his Honour proceeded to compliment the efforts of the President of the Law Society of Singapore in the highest-most collection of donations in the Games' history, though modestly omitting to mention that this included the highest-ever contribution from the Bench.

But, as usual there was a catch, and for its efforts, his Honour ordered costs of the proceedings against the Law Society of Singapore - the hosts of this year's Games!

Goal-less Goalie

One person having a relaxing time - almost a tea party - during the Ladies' soccer match at the recent Games was the Singapore goalkeeper. She had the singular pleasure of not having to touch the ball even once, whilst contentedly watching our Malaysian counterparts playing in their own half.

Our women lawyers certainly did us proud at the Games this year, and roundly trounced our Malaysian counterparts in what used to be their stronghold - netball, with an impressive score of 23 to 4.

And lest our men say that netball is a girl's game, let it be known our girls also managed to beat the Malaysian Ladies' soccer team by four goals to none. Our boys and men, on the other hand, did not have such luck as they conceded both the Premier and Veteran's soccer.

Undaunted, our guys are back in the locker room, or rather, Bar room, making plans for next year's Games. Word has it that serious strategies are being discussed, and resistance training in the form of pre-Games mountain climbing (the Games being held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah next year) has already been mentioned.

Our women players, with a few mothers amongst them, have the last say, 'There's no training like carrying around a few kilos for nine months, man!'

Which Doctor

No Bench and Bar Game is complete without the very evident presence of Mr Palakrishnan, SC. The fact that, as President of the Law Society of Singapore, he was playing host to the contingents from West Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak did not stop our resident jeer-leader from making life difficult for the opposing team when it came to sideline comments such as 'Malaysia boleh - kadang kadang' ('Malaysia does it - sometimes'). Attired in black and black, complete with dark sunglasses, he cut an imposing figure, making some Malaysians wish that they too had brought along their 'bomoh'.

However, many a Malaysian was visibly pleased when Mr Palakrishnan gamely turned 'waterboy' and like a true host, was seen ferrying around the scorching links at Tanah Merah Country Club in a golf 'buggie' with mineral water bottles for the dehydrating players.

Quipped the perspiring President, 'Considering where we get our water from, I was just returning the favour!'

 

A Diplomatic Touch

Joining in the fun on the green was also our Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia, His Excellency, Mr K Kesavapany, who together with President of the Bar Council, Malaysia, Mr Mah Weng Kwai, pitted their skills against none other than our ever-careful financial caretaker, Mr N Sreenivasan, Treasurer. Seeing a rare opportunity to raise our bank balance, Mr Sreenivasan was induced to place a modest bet on the game. Alas the result - a beaming High Commissioner, richer by forty Singapore dollars! But as usual, our Mr Sreenivasan had the last say. 'It was all in the name of diplomacy', he sportingly declared.