Former Law Society leaders call for EGM to protest election of new president

In Singapore, lawyers vote in October every year for members of the Law Society council, the highest body within the society that manages its affairs. The society has about 6,400 members.

Under the Legal Profession Act, the Law Minister can appoint up to three members to sit on the council. Mr Dhillon was one of the three brought in this time round.

The council members then vote among themselves to choose a president, two vice‑presidents and a treasurer.

This was done and the Law Society announced on Nov 17 that Mr Dinesh will lead the new 21-member council.

The proposed resolution stated in the letter was to record the view that “as a matter of past practice and existing convention, good governance and to uphold confidence in the independence of the Bar”, only someone who has been elected by the members of the society should be elected as president.

The letter made it clear, though, that the resolution “does not alter or invalidate any office-bearer election”.

The motion was proposed by Mr Low and seconded by Mr Nair.

Lawyers who spoke to ST on the condition of anonymity said disquiet began brewing soon after Mr Dinesh was elected president by the council. 

A document then began circulating among lawyers to collect signatures to requisition for an EGM to be held.

Any 25 members of the society can request for such a meeting to be held.

They made the request to the Law Society on Nov 24, but when the EGM was not called by Dec 8, the members who sought the meeting notified the society that they will hold an EGM on Dec 22.

Meanwhile, the Law Society council had organised a tea session for members, which is being held on Dec 10, to “address any queries or concerns of members on any issue, in particular the transition of Council-elect 2026 into office”.

Mr Low declined to comment.

ST has also contacted Mr Dinesh and the Law Society for comment.