G Kannan, a renowned Indian-origin prosecutor in Singapore, died while on vacation in Phuket, Thailand. He was 52 years old at the time of passing away.
Kannan leaves behind a wife and two boys. His family has requested privacy to mourn, according to a spokesperson of the family. Kannan, who is also a senior state lawyer, was a senior director of the Attorney-Chambers’ General’s criminal section (AGC).
As part of the National Day Awards in 2018, he received the Long Service Medal. The revelation startled the legal community, who professed their appreciation for Kannan.
“It is not just a loss to the AGC, but also a loss to the criminal bar as a whole,” criminal lawyer Shashi Nathan said. “Many defense attorneys knew and worked with DPP Kannan and held him in the highest regard. He was a gentleman and a fair guy,” Nathan said. The way he behaved himself, even outside of the courtroom, is something that many people should model themselves on.”
“He was persistent like a bulldog, once he dug his teeth into a piece of evidence, he never gave until it was ripped to bits,” criminal lawyer Amolat Singh said.
“But he also had a sympathetic side; if he knew someone was having a difficult time, he would always take the time to enquire about their health, well-being, and how they were managing. On these occasions, he exhibited a maturity well above his years,” Singh told the Straits Times newspaper.
After 20 years of knowing Kannan and working under him at the AGC, Alfred Lim, a founding director of Fullerton Law Chambers, described him as his mentor, teacher and friend.
“When it came to management, he taught me to respect everyone from the top down, to trust your colleagues, to never micromanage, and to inspire and lead. He taught me to work hard and play hard in life, to give it my all in all I do, and to have a glass or two now and again,” Lim added.
“He’s in a better place now, and we’ll all miss him. His humour, charm, booming voice, and banter about football clubs will be missed,” Lim said.
