The decision to strike Steven John Lam Kuet Keng from the rolls serves as a necessary measure to maintain public trust in the legal system. By enforcing the presumptive penalty for dishonesty, the Court of Three Judges has reaffirmed that the ethical obligations of a lawyer extend far beyond the courtroom. Legal practitioners are held to a higher standard of conduct, and any attempt to deceive law enforcement—particularly to evade the consequences of a criminal act—strikes at the core of the profession's credibility.
Proponents of this strict disciplinary approach argue that the integrity of the Bar is non-negotiable. When a lawyer uses their position or attempts to manipulate the truth, it undermines the rule of law that they are sworn to uphold. While the court acknowledged Lam’s past contributions to legal clinics and community service, these acts of public good do not mitigate the gravity of intentional dishonesty. By prioritizing the reputation of the legal profession over individual circumstances, the court sends a clear message that professional status does not grant immunity from the consequences of unethical behavior.