Press Statement from the Prime Minister's Office on the Appointment of the Attorney-General, 28 April 2014

STATEMENT FROM THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

Mr Steven Chong Horng Siong was appointed the Attorney-General on 25 Jun 2012 for a period of two years. His current term of office expires on 24 Jun 2014. Upon the completion of his two-year term as AG, Mr Chong has accepted the Prime Minister’s invitation to return to the Bench. Mr Chong will be succeeded as Attorney-General by Judge of Appeal V K Rajah.

In his capacity as Public Prosecutor, Mr Chong introduced several initiatives to enhance the administration of criminal justice, and strengthen the working relationship between stakeholders in the criminal justice process. He was instrumental in making a number of changes to the criminal justice system in the last two years. Mr Chong also took steps to engage the public in explaining the work and significant decisions of the Public Prosecutor, by establishing the Media Relation Unit and launching the Public Prosecution Outreach Programme.

In addition, under his leadership, AGC played an instrumental role in the successful conclusion of key international treaties, including the European Union-Singapore Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. It enhanced legal representation and support for all ministries and statutory boards in judicial review cases, and embarked on an exercise to make Singapore legislation more accessible. 

The Government thanks Mr Chong for his contributions as Attorney-General. 

The President, acting in his discretion, and in concurrence with the advice of the Prime Minister, has appointed:

         (a)   Judge of Appeal V K Rajah, 57, as the Attorney-General from 25 Jun 2014 to his retirement at the age of 60 years; and

         (b)   Mr Steven Chong, 56, as a Judge of the High Court from 25 Jun 2014.

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[CVs of Mr V K Rajah and Mr Steven Chong are attached] (pdf, 59.03KB)