Associate Professor Ben Leong, a distinguished academic at the National University of Singapore (NUS), recently made headlines with the establishment of Lionheart Advocates, a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to aiding individuals entangled in what he terms “frivolous lawsuits.” This significant initiative, still in its infancy, has already begun distributing funds to individuals in need of legal support.
### Ben Leong’s Mission to Combat Frivolous Lawsuits
In a heartfelt Facebook announcement on Sunday, February 9, Assoc Prof Leong revealed that Lionheart Advocates has successfully raised approximately S$700,000 (US$517,000) to provide assistance to those unfairly targeted by baseless legal actions. The professor expressed his unwavering commitment to the cause, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding innocent individuals from the unscrupulous exploitation of the legal system for personal gain.
Assoc Prof Leong’s dedication to this cause is underscored by his personal experience as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Iris Koh, the founder of the anti-vaccine group Healing the Divide. Despite facing his own legal battles, Assoc Prof Leong remains steadfast in his resolve to champion justice and protect vulnerable individuals from the perils of “lawfare.”
### The Menace of Frivolous Lawsuits: A Growing Concern
The establishment of Lionheart Advocates coincides with the Singaporean government’s recent efforts to address the escalating issue of frivolous lawsuits and the abuse of court processes. Through amendments to the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act (AOJPA), passed by Parliament on November 13, legislative measures were introduced to combat the misuse of legal procedures to harass or coerce defendants.
In response to mounting public concern over the prevalence of such vexatious litigation, Minister of State for Law Murali Pillai highlighted the detrimental impact of baseless claims on the integrity of the justice system. By reinforcing legal safeguards and prosecuting instances of contempt of court, Singapore aims to uphold the principles of fairness and equity in its judicial proceedings.
### Cryptocurrency Contributions and Legal Aid: Lionheart Advocates’ Impact
In an unexpected turn of events, Assoc Prof Leong revealed that a significant portion of Lionheart Advocates’ funding—amounting to S$700,000—originated from a generous bitcoin donation by one of his former students. Despite initial challenges in converting the cryptocurrency into fiat currency due to regulatory constraints, Assoc Prof Leong expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from benefactors who rallied behind the NGO’s cause.
The professor emphasized that the donated funds are being channeled to reputable law firms, including TSMP Law Corporation, which has graciously offered pro bono legal services to individuals embroiled in legal disputes. By collaborating with dedicated legal professionals, Lionheart Advocates aims to provide comprehensive support to those in need, ensuring equitable access to justice for all.
As the momentum behind Lionheart Advocates continues to grow, Assoc Prof Leong remains focused on his mission to protect victims of frivolous lawsuits and combat the insidious practice of “lawfare.” With a steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of justice and integrity, Assoc Prof Leong and his team stand as beacons of hope for individuals navigating the complexities of the legal system.
In conclusion, the establishment of Lionheart Advocates heralds a new chapter in Singapore’s legal landscape, where compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication converge to defend the vulnerable and uphold the pillars of justice.
