Jeffrey Tan J

Introduction

This has been a trial of some proportions. Sixty seven days were invested recording and hearing evidence and submissions. A catalogue of facts were asserted, a host of issues was raised, literally thousands of folios of documents were produced (see bundles of documents marked PB1, PB2, PB3 and PB4 by the plaintiff, DB1[A]–DB1[F] by the first to third defendants and DB2[A] and DB2[B] by the fourth and fifth defendants) and more than 750 pp of typed notes were recorded. Yet, these proceedings would have been longer even still if not for the agreement of the parties, thankfully, to dispense with all formal proof (save where expressly required, and there were few) of all documents in the bundles of documents and to agree to certain facts (see bundle of all agreed facts).

It has to do with a family dispute on the last will or intestacy, and related issues, of Khaw Bian Cheng (the deceased), the progenitor of the plaintiffs and defendants, and the considerable fortune he left or should have left. The disputes, claims and related issues will be related in the course of this grounds. However, to set the scene,

(i) claiming that the three wills dated 3 August 1992