Age: 49

Family: Has two children from a previous marriage. He married a clinical psychologist early this year.

Religion: Hinduism

1975: O levels, Raffles Institution

1977: A levels, Raffles Institution

1984: Graduated with first-class honours from the law faculty of the National University of Singapore

1986 to 1991: Worked at Drew & Napier law firm

1988: Elected MP for Sembawang GRC

1991: Made a partner at Allen & Gledhill law firm

1998: Appointed Senior Counsel

Present: Senior partner, head of litigation and dispute resolution, and a member of the executive committee at Allen & Gledhill

May 1, 2008: Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs