Aiyoh, sometimes even the most proper Singaporean institutions can have drama like Malaysian parliament elections lah. This week, the Law Society the big boss organization for Singapore lawyers had its own internal tussle that would make even Johor bahru graft investigators raise eyebrows.

Here's the kopi o kosong version. Fancy named lawyer Dinesh Singh Dhillon was supposed to become Law Society president next year. Smart chap no doubt chairman of arbitration at Allen and Gledhill firm, known for pro bono work somemore. But ah here comes the problem, he wasn't actually elected by fellow lawyers to the Society's council in the first place. Got in through minister's appointment like NS man called up for reservist.

Turns out many lawyers not happy lah. Imagine you vote for town council members, then one day wake up find chairman is someone not even on ballot paper. Sure people akan datang furious right? More than few senior advocates planned emergency meeting to kick up fuss. Wanted vote of no confidence and everything like Thai protesters storming government house eh.

But here's the Singapore twist unlike regional dramas, everything settled over professional discussion before roti prata even got cold. Dhillon gracefully said okay lah I step down, no hard feelings. Respect the views all my learned friends. Now Professor Tan Cheng Han the ultimate multitasker NUS chief strategy officer, Wong Partnership big wig will take over as president. Dhillon becomes vice president carry on serving.

This whole episode teaches three very Singaporean lessons for governance kan. First, technical compliance not enough must have heart support also. Even if Legal Profession Act allows minister to appoint three council members, making one president so fast without election pedigree feels like microwave nasi lemak shortcut to lawyers who spent years building practice.

Second, the system worked without explosions. Council members including former presidents sat down talked it out like good kopitiam uncles. Found middle road that honors Dhillon's willingness to serve but respects members concerns about leadership legitimacy. Reminds me of how our ah gong leaders always say consensus is key to stability lor.

Third, real solution coming they say want minimum service period before becoming office bearer. Smart move like requiring new citizens wait before voting. Stops parachute candidates dropping into top roles without putting in the work at ground level. Might prevent future tension when law minister's appointees suddenly become boss of elected folks.

But hor we shouldn't overlook the human story here. Dhillon showed real class act. Many people holding presidential position won't want to let go kan. Especially when council already endorsed him. But he chose unity over ego, said he just wants to serve wherever useful. This kind of self awareness rare like finding chili crab without $25 price tag.

For 6,400 Singapore lawyers watching this saga unfold, the impact very real. Their Law Society not just fancy dinner organizer kan. Handles disciplinary issues, provides pro bono structure, represents profession's interests to government. If leadership lacks perceived legitimacy harder to rally members during tough times like economic downturns or regulatory changes.

Also makes you think about appointed versus elected positions across our Asian democracies. Even in Indonesia where governors get central appointments, local parliaments must approve. Or look at Hong Kong's Chief Executive selection process ongoing debates about representativeness. Our little red dot incident shows technical qualifications matter less than authentic mandate in modern governance.

Positive takeaway Solid gold. The fact that senior lawyers including ex presidents and criminal law stars like Sunil Sudheesan could disagree with council choice while keeping everything respectful shows profession's maturity. No need for dramatics like Philippine impeachment trials or Malaysian frog jumping allegiances. Friendly pressure worked, system adapted smoothly.

Imagine if similar thing happened elsewhere Southeast Asia. Some countries sure have protesters burning effigies or opposition shouting in parliament until mic switched off. Here solution found through dialogue and mutual respect. Reminds me why investors trust Singapore's institutions so much, even when small hiccups happen.

End of day this episode likely make Law Society stronger. Members see leaders take feedback seriously, potential reforms in pipeline for clearer eligibility criteria. Dhillon still contributing as vice chair, no loss of talent. Professor Tan respected heavyweight takes helm during crucial time as legal industry faces AI disruption and regional competition.

So next time you stress about workplace politics, remember even Supreme Court caliber lawyers face committee disagreements. What matters is how settle like adults without burning bridges. Maybe go Teh Tarik session after vote settles yes? With this happy compromise Singapore legal eagles can focus on real challenges instead of internal squabbles. Good outcome all around lah.