LEGAL HEAVYWEIGHTS CELEBRATE CJ YONG PUNG HOW
A new title pays tribute to the former Chief Justice, who would have turned 98 this week.
BY MATHANGI ELANGOVAN
Written by Justice Andrew Phang, the title was launched yesterday—an apt date, given that 11 April would have been CJ Yong’s 98th birthday.
It includes colourful anecdotes from the people who knew CJ Yong well, including the string of JLCs who worked with him.
Among them was Mr Cavinder Bull SC (Drew & Napier), who recalled that his former boss “had a way of lifting you up”. Another early JLC, Mr James Tan was struck by CJ Yong’s strength of character. “How he treated everyone with respect regardless of his stature in society continues to humble me today.”
These personal stories shared in the book are testament to how CJ Yong’s role as a caring mentor and to some, a father figure. He would always set aside time to meet up with them, not only to provide them with his invaluable advice. Many of the 113 JLCs who worked under him continued to meet him on social occasions long after they worked together—many went on to become judges and law firm leaders.
A LASTING IMPACT
Beyond developing its people, CJ Yong also transformed the legal system as a whole, as Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon noted at the launch. “[He] initiated the use of technology as part of the mainstream … at a time when this was largely seen as alien, if not unthinkable.”
Renowned for his intolerance for subpar work, he adopted an admirable work ethic himself, with an unmatched record for clearing cases: over 2,000. This can be attributed to his adept leadership, which introduced efficient case management strategies and his commitment to hearing an extraordinary number of cases, personally aiding in reducing the substantial backlog.
Perhaps founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew sensed his ability to transform the legal system when he asked him to head the judiciary in 1989. But this view was not shared by all at the time.
In a poignant speech delivered at the book launch, his daughter, Ms Yong Ying-I recalled skepticism in some quarters. “There were many skeptics who thought him absolutely foolhardy when he joined the judiciary, and many expected him to fail.” But her father prevailed, driven by a desire to [make] a contribution to something bigger and longer lasting than ourselves.”
Mr Lee later mentioned that appointing CJ Yong was one of his best decisions ever. The duo’s bond traces back to their shared academic pursuits at Cambridge University, where their enduring friendship took root.
Ms Ying-I shared fondly about a time her parents were invited to the dinner that Mr Lee hosted for Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Singapore in 1972.
“When they were introduced to her Majesty, Mr Lee said they have no reason to be here except that they are my friends,” she said. “Prince Philip apparently replied that is the best reason to be here.”
Never-before shared anecdotes like these are a highlight of Academy Publishing’s Pioneer, Polymath and Mentor – The Life and Legacy of Yong Pung How, available here ($98.10).
Photos: Singapore Management University
