“Dari Melaka ke Negara Indera Putera
Membawa pinangan emas si anak sayang
Tiga hari kita bersukan di Melaka
Semoga kenangan manis dibawa pulang”
The historical city of Malacca is the host for the annual Bench & Bar Games
between Malaysia and Singapore this year.
This 18th year of standing tradition between the two nations was officially opened last night at the Welcoming Reception held at Rotunda Sports Complex in Tanjung Kling.
In his speech, the Malacca Bar Committee Chairman, Mr Ng Kong Peng welcomed both contingents to the historical city of Malacca.
Ng added that like all true Olympians, the participants would be competing with great determination and commitment.
"Unfortunately in every sport, there can only be one winner and no team likes to be the loser.
"But the ultimate winner of these games would be the legal
and judicial fraternities of both countries because of the strengthening of
friendships and bonds between both teams", said Ng.
The vivacious yet relaxed atmosphere was felt last night, amidst endless
chatting, joking and drinking.
Cheeky smiles and puckish remarks about Malaysia making a hatrick this year were the order of the night for the Malaysian contingents.
To quote from George Varughese, Chairman of the Malaysian Bar
Council's Sports Committee: “And, as much as I would like to assure all that
winning isn’t everything, we ARE keeping the scores anyway.”
Among the distinguished guests are The Right Honorable Chief Justice of Singapore,
Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong, Y.A.A. Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mohamad,
Justice Choo Han Tack and Justice Lee Seiu Kin, judges of the High Court of
Singapore, Datuk Wira Mohtarudin bin Baki, judge of the High Court of Malacca,
Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, President of the Malaysian Bar, Mr. Micheal Hwang,
President of the Law Society of Singapore, Mr. Joseph Liow, the Chairman of the
Sports Committee, the Law Society of Singapore, Mr. George Varughese, Mr. Sekar
Palaniandy, the Chairman of the Organising Committee and Mr. Ng Kong Peng.