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The following is issued on behalf of the Honorable Chief Justice, Mr Andrew Kwok-nang Li today (November 30):

"The sad news has reached the Court that the Hon Mr Justice Ching, one of the founding justices of the Court, a non-permanent judge after his retirement, and a holder of the Grand Bauhinia Medal, passed away early this morning.

The high esteem which he commanded and the deep affection felt for him by all, was evidenced by the sentiments expressed and the tributes paid at the farewell sitting of the Court held recently to mark his retirement as a permanent judge. That sitting will be reported in the law reports and will therefore form part of the written annals of the Court.

We mourn his passing and salute his memory.

To his family, we send our deepest condolences."

End/Thursday, November 30, 2000

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