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The State Council has, on the nomination and recommendation of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Donald Tsang, approved the appointment of Mr Tang King-shing, Deputy Commissioner of Police, as the Commissioner of Police and the removal of Mr Lee Ming-kwai, incumbent Commissioner of Police, from the Principal Official post. Mr Tang will take up the new appointment with effect from January 16, 2007 when Mr Lee proceeds on pre-retirement leave on the same day after serving the Police Force for 34 years.
Commenting on the appointment of Mr Tang King-shing, the Chief Executive said: "Mr Tang has served in the Hong Kong Police Force for nearly 31 years and has extensive knowledge and experience in the operations and management of the Police Force. Over the years, Mr Tang has made great efforts in enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of the Police Force. I am confident that he will lead the Police Force in meeting the challenges ahead."
Speaking on the retirement of Mr Lee Ming-kwai, the Chief Executive said: "Since taking up the appointment as Commissioner of Police in December 2003, Mr Lee has made commendable efforts in maintaining the law and order of the community. He has entrenched the service quality culture in the Police Force and demonstrated personal care and attention for frontline staff. Under his able leadership, the Police Force has continued to excel as a world-class professional law enforcement body. We sincerely wish Mr Lee a happy retirement."
The Government also announced today (January 12) that Mr Yam Tat-wing, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, will succeed Mr Tang King-shing as Deputy Commissioner of Police on January 16, 2007.
The following are biographical notes on Mr Lee Ming-kwai, Mr Tang King-shing and Mr Yam Tat-wing:
Mr Lee Ming-kwai
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Mr Lee Ming-kwai, aged 56, joined the Hong Kong Police Force in December 1972 as a Probationary Inspector. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent in 1992, Assistant Commissioner in 1995, Senior Assistant Commissioner in 1998 and Deputy Commissioner in 2001. He was promoted to Commissioner in December 2003.
Mr Lee has served in many different positions during his 34 years of service with the Police Force. He was District Commander (Wanchai) and Deputy Regional Commander (New Territories North) between 1992 and 1994, Assistant Commissioner (Operations) in 1995, Director of Management Services and Director of Operations from April 1998 to December 2000. After promotion to the rank of Deputy Commissioner in 2001, he served as Deputy Commissioner (Management) and Deputy Commissioner (Operations). He was appointed as Commissioner of Police in December 2003.
During his career in the Police Force, Mr Lee has received many awards. He was awarded Commanding Officer's Commendations in 1975 and 1977, Colonial Police Long Service Medal in 1990, Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1994, Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal in 1997, the Chief Executive's Commendation in 1998 and Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Clasps in 1997, 2002 and 2005 respectively.
Mr Tang King-shing
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Mr Tang King-shing, aged 52, joined the Hong Kong Police Force in July 1976 as a Probationary Inspector. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent in 1996, Assistant Commissioner in 1999, Senior Assistant Commissioner in 2002 and Deputy Commissioner in December 2003.
Mr Tang has held a variety of posts in the Police Force. He was mainly responsible for front-line operational duties, including service in the Police Tactical Unit and the Special Duties Unit, before he was promoted to Superintendent in 1986. Between August 1991 and July 1993, he was seconded to the Metropolitan Police Service, London, UK, where he served as Divisional Superintendent. During his tenure as Senior Superintendent and Chief Superintendent between 1993 and 1999, he served in a number of posts in the Uniform Branch, including District Commander of Airport; Chief Superintendent (Special Duty) for the 1997 Handover of Sovereignty Ceremonies; District Commander (Mong Kok) and Deputy Regional Commander (Hong Kong Island).
Mr Tang served as Assistant Commissioner (Personnel) from December 1999. On promotion to Senior Assistant Commissioner in March 2002, he served as Director of Operations. He took up the present post of Deputy Commissioner (Operations) upon promotion to the rank in December 2003.
During his career in the Police Force, Mr Tang has received many awards. He was awarded Police Tactical Unit Best All-Round Platoon in 1978, Commanding Officer's Commendation in 1986, Colonial Police Long Service Medal in 1994, Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal in 1997, Hong Kong Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1998, Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal with 1st Clasp in 2001, Hong Kong Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2004 and the Chief Executive's Commendation in 2006.
Mr Yam Tat-wing
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Mr Yam Tat-wing, aged 53, joined the Hong Kong Police Force in December 1972 as a Probationary Inspector. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent in 1996, Assistant Commissioner in 1998 and his present rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner in 2002.
Mr Yam has served in many police district units and the Crime Stream, including Commandant of the Police Tactical Unit in 1996, Assistant Commissioner (Personnel) and Assistant Commissioner (Crime) from June 1998 to October 2002. He was appointed Director of Management Services upon promotion to the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner in 2002. He has been Director of Operations since December 2003.
During his career in the Police Force, Mr Yam has received many awards. He was awarded Commanding Officer's Commendations in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979, Colonial Police Long Service Medal in 1990, Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service and Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal in 1997, Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Clasps in 1997, 2002 and 2005 respectively, Hong Kong Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2005 and the Chief Executive's Commendation in 2006.
Ends/Friday, January 12, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:11
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