Society

Hong Kong appoints new chief justice

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-04-08 22:01

HONG KONG, - Hong Kong's Chief Executive Donald Tsang announced Thursday that based on the advice of a recommendation commission composed of judicial officers, Justice Geoffrey Ma will succeed Andrew Li as Chief Justice from September 1

Tsang said Justice Ma was "an outstanding lawyer with exceptional judicial, professional and personal qualities, a man of high integrity commanding strong respect within and outside the Judiciary, including the legal profession."

The Hong Kong top official also expressed confidence in Ma's administrative and leadership qualities, saying nearly seven years of outstanding service as High Court Chief Judge has proven Ma's capabilities.

"An independent Judiciary has been and will remain a cornerstone of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity...I am confident Justice Ma will discharge his duties as head of the Judiciary with distinction," he said.

Outgoing Chief Justice Andrew Li believed Justice Ma will be an outstanding Chief Justice, will uphold the rule of law and protect judicial independence, and that under his leadership, the Judiciary will continue to safeguard the people's rights and freedom.

Noting these expectations, Justice Ma pledged to do his utmost to ensure the rule of law and judicial independence are maintained and people's rights and freedom are safeguarded.

Tsang announced on the same occasion the appointments of Justices Robert Tang, Frank Stock and Michael Hartmann as non- permanent Hong Kong judges to the Court of Final Appeal.

All the appointments will be sent to the Legislative Council for endorsement.