SINGAPORE – Chia Boon Teck, vice-president of the Law Society of Singapore, has resigned following widespread criticism of his comments regarding a recent rape case. His LinkedIn post about the conviction of former Wah! Banana actor Lev Panfilov, who was found guilty of rape, sexual assault by penetration, and molestation involving the same female victim, sparked significant backlash.
In his now-deleted post, Chia appeared to question the victim’s actions during the incidents, leading to accusations of victim-shaming from the legal community, advocacy groups like AWARE, and Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam. The criticism centered on concerns that such remarks undermine the seriousness of sexual assault cases and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about victims.
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Law Society President Lisa Sam deemed Chia’s comments “unacceptable” and requested his resignation, stating that questioning the victim’s morality in this manner is inappropriate for someone in a leadership position. She emphasized that such views are incompatible with the values upheld by the Law Society.
Chia, co-managing director of law firm Chia Wong Chambers, had served as the Law Society’s vice-president since August 2023 and was previously its treasurer. His resignation took immediate effect upon acceptance by the president. The Law Society expressed gratitude for his service and contributions during his tenure and extended well wishes for his future endeavors.
This incident has ignited broader discussions about the responsibilities of legal professionals in addressing sexual assault cases and the imperative to avoid victim-blaming narratives. It underscores the legal community’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and supporting survivors of sexual violence.
