FIFTH A-G: In 1994, Prof Woon was the key driver behind the Maintanence of Parents Bill.

The current Solicitor-General takes over the job as the country's top prosecutor from Mr Chao Hick Tin, who will return to the judiciary after a two-year tour as Attorney-General.

Prof Woon, who made his mark as a law academic, a Nominated MP and as an envoy before becoming Solicitor-General, will be post-independence Singapore's fifth Attorney-General.

The Attorney-General's role is to be the Government's main legal adviser. He also decides which criminal cases to prosecute.

Mr Chao will resume his former post as a Judge of Appeal in the Supreme Court, making it a total of three Judges of Appeal on the roster.

The appointments were announced yesterday by the President, in concurrence with the advice of the Prime Minister.

Prof Woon's vacated position as Solicitor-General will be filled by Mrs Koh Kuat Jong, the current Supreme Court Registrar.

Prof Woon's legal career began with his being called to the Singapore Bar in 1985, four years after graduating from the National University of Singapore's (NUS) law school with first-class honours. He also holds a master's in law with first-class honours from Cambridge.

Besides being credited with having written several books on law - one on company law made it to the reading lists of law students and lawyers - he has a colourful side as well, having authored crime novels and been a top school debater.

The father of twin teenage sons started out as an academic, lecturing at the NUS law school, where he was vice-dean.

As a Nominated MP from 1992 to 1996, he made his name as the key driver behind the House approving the Maintenance of Parents Bill in 1994. It remains the only piece of legislation since 1965 which was not initiated by the Government.

Prof Woon was the only Singaporean on Time magazine's 1994 list of 100 noteworthy young world leaders, for having asked 'tough questions' on areas such as securities regulation and ministerial pay hikes in Parliament.

From 1997 to 2006, he served as Singapore's ambassador to countries such as Belgium, Greece and Germany.

He became the Second Solicitor-General in 2006, and Solicitor-General last year.

Lawyers welcomed his appointment as Attorney-General.

Senior Counsel Jimmy Yim said Prof Woon was 'very incisive in his thinking and very professional'.

Lawyer Andy Yeo, Prof Woon's student in 1995, said he had low tolerance for sloth and stupidity.

'He was very patient with us and helped us grapple with the technical difficulties in our work. Those of us who had the benefit of his classes were the envy of those who did not,' said Mr Yeo.

benjamin@sph.com.sg

cheekin@sph.com.sg