What we have become

Nicole’s conversation with former practicing in KL lawyer friend who is now a legal counsel in Singapore (some of you know who this is lar!).

Background: We were talking about a friend of hers who was a lawyer in KL and is now a judge.

Nicole: Would you have been a judge?

Friend: No way!

Nicole: No way here in Singapore or in KL?

Friend: No way here because I am not practicing and don’t have a licence to practice. No way in KL because I don’t ‘qualify’. [read: I am Chinese]

Nicole: Is it really that bad?

Friend: [Gives wry look that says ‘Come, on!’] Just look at who become new judges and the face of the judiciary.

[Silence as we both are pointed to the future for a split second]

Nicole: What when there are cultural issues in legal cases that are truly culturally imbedded? [Thought of policewomen having to wear headscarves and no kissing or hugging in public or you get sued]

Friend: Sigh….That’s why I will never go back.