In Reflection

Happy fourth birthday, Alter Ego.

More than 49 men and women have shared about their lives in this column over the past four years. Many readers have written to me and shared their views or asked questions about this column. On this anniversary, I reply to some of your questions.

What is the genre of this column?

I write about lawyers or former lawyers, who are involved in various activities outside of work and lead interesting lives. Others uphold high values in their ordinary lives. I also write about issues that affect us as lawyers and individuals in this challenging and complex world we live in.

How do you get to know the individuals you write about?

Some are newsmakers. I track them down for an interview. Thankfully, very few have rejected my request. Others are referred to me or are people I hear about. My motto is every one of us has a story to tell.

Where do you find the time to write this monthly column?

I make the time with great pain, sweat and complaints! I usually write on Sundays or in the wee hours of the weekdays, usually a couple of days before or on the day of the deadline! I love writing. This column gives me the golden opportunity to lead the life of a writer. I treasure this very much.

How long does it take you to write a profile?

The interview and research process may take about three hours; writing and editing would take another four hours.

You have written many profiles. Which is your favourite?

This is like asking me which dessert I like best (I am crazy about desserts)! I have written 41 profiles so far. Like desserts, I have too many favourites. For example, I like the profile on Danny Leong and Lim Bee Hong (Singapore Law Gazette March 2003) and Steven Liew (September and October 2004). I try very hard to write profiles that I like and am proud of. It’s such hard work!

Who is your favourite personality?

I choose the persons I interview. I usually choose the individual I admire and whom I would want to meet. So, they are all my favourite personalities. Perhaps a better question would be: Which personality did I find very difficult to write about? Walter Woon. Walter is a man of measured words (April 2003). That was a difficult piece. I am fortunate that my subjects usually share their life experiences freely. This makes my job much easier.

How do you feel about being a ‘prolific writer’?

I was very happy to receive this compliment from two High Court Judges. Frankly, I do not think I am a good writer. I am not trying to be humble here. I really have a long way to go. I feel that my vocabulary is limited and my style of writing has not reached a level of maturity yet. I need to read more in order to write better. I am a Philip Jeyaretnam and Daren Shiau wannabe.

You always say nice things about the people you interview. They sound too perfect. Are you Mr Nice?

Some say I am Mr Preach too! Others say some of my columns are too long (the profile on Steven Liew). There is no way I can please everyone. I do not try to. My emotional make-up makes me an emotional writer. I am continuously fine-tuning my writing style. Feature writing is so different from legal writing. I find it difficult to make the mental shift.

Would you consider yourself as interesting as the personalities you profile in Alter Ego?

Shamelessly, yes! I work hard at it! I do a lot of volunteer work in the Law Society as well as in various voluntary welfare organisations. I cook. I do baking with my wife most Sunday afternoons (I love food). I like throwing parties for family and friends. I go to the gym (I am constantly in battle with the Bulge). I have a big group of friends and I hang out with them and their families (I enjoy being in the presence of people). I like to travel. I am a cable TV fan. I like to read (my wife says I read only entertainment stuff which does not qualify me as a voracious reader). But hey, how else do I make this column fun and interesting, right? Seriously, I find that I read and even study the columns in the newspapers and magazines these days to get fresh perspectives on how to write Alter Ego.
 

What have you learnt from your interviews?

I’ve learnt a lot about life and its different meanings. I am one of those who treat life seriously. I have spent a considerable part of my life wondering what Life is all about. It surely must be more than just waking up, going to work, eating and sleeping, right?

Being a lawyer is just one aspect of life. Law practice consumes all our time and life. Sometimes, we forget that there are other aspects to life. These other aspects tend to be neglected or worse, ignored. Danny Leong and Lim Bee Hong made me realise that I was indeed on the right track of life. I remind myself often of what this husband and wife had shared with me.

Find your passion. Dare to stand up for it. Chase it. Live it. Success is just a by-product. My inaugural subject, Kelvin Tong (April 2002) lives by this principle. I am happy to see that he is fast becoming a very successful film director in Singapore. I look forward to the day we see him in Hollywood.

The late Palakrishnan showed us a vital aspect of law practice which many of us do not appreciate most of the time. He taught me that one can be a passionate lawyer. Live the law and love it (September 2003). I wish I had known him longer.

A successful lawyer is also a humble human being who cares about others. People who know him well cannot help but feel the gentle inner side of Subhas Anandan (December 2005).

We lawyers have a large social responsibility role to play in society (July 2003). Besides those who are profiled in Alter Ego, many others have also spoken to me on the condition of anonymity. Some of their views are reflected in my articles. One person shared with me that incidents in life occur for a good reason, which we may not appreciate at the time of their occurrence.

Be different if it suits you. Who says it is only the woman’s job to take care of children? Glenn Ang is possibly the only legally trained homemaker in Singapore (August 2002). He told me recently that being a homemaker is a physically demanding job that leaves him little time for himself.

Work-life balance can and ought to be a way of life in Singapore (October 2005).

Overall, it has been a path of discovery for me too. I have found that the legal profession does consist of passionate and caring individuals who are good at many other things as well.
 

Do you get paid for writing this column?

I wish! I think I am paid in terms of the opportunity to meet people, many of whom I would have never met if not for this column. Some of them have become friends. I am grateful to them for sharing about their lives (it fulfills my kaypoh appetite!) and the lessons I have learnt from them.

Will you ever stop writing this column?

Whenever I complain about my difficulty in meeting the deadline (and this is a monthly occurrence), my wife would look at me and say, ‘Don’t write. Take a break.’ That usually has the effect of silencing me and sending me straight to my laptop! I do not know. Maybe when my fellow Publications Committee members tell me that the SLG has had enough of me … .

Are you a writer or a lawyer first?

I think I am a man who wants to do loads of things, all at the same time! Recently, the Chairman of the Practice Management Committee of the Law Society commented that I am a full-time volunteer whose hobby is law practice. Besides being a Council member, I sit in seven standing committees. Honestly, I do not spend that much time in volunteer activities. I believe that if you want to do something badly, you will find the time to do it. I juggle all my activities, run a law firm, spend a considerable amount of time with my wife … . My friends think I do not know how to take things easy. I have a short attention span. I get bored very easily. The cure is to do many things at one time. I enjoy adrenaline-pumping moments and actually thrive under stress.

What’s your take on life?

Life is too short. Happiness is a priceless commodity which money cannot buy. Being happy and doing my bit for this world I was born into, to me, would be a life well lived. I work towards these goals every day.

What’s next for you?

Lose weight. Publish a book. Get a dog. Make money out of my cooking skills. Be a house-husband like Glenn … .

I would like to say a big thank you to each and every one of you who has helped me to keep this column going in the past four years. Thank you for putting up with me. Keep the compliments and brickbats coming!

Rajan Chettiar

Rajan Chettiar & Co

E-mail: rajan@rajanchettiar.com