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A Government spokesman today (Friday) expressed regret at the decision of the Honourable Mr. Justice Woo to recuse himself as chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on allegations relating to the Hong Kong Institute of Education.
ˇ§We do not consider the contact that Mr. Justice Woo and the Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Mrs. Fanny Law, have had, and will continue to have, in the exercise of their respective duties and functions under the Interception of Communications and Surveillance Ordinance could reasonably justify a conclusion that there is a real possibility that Mr. Justice Woo would be biased when sitting as chairman of the Commission of Inquiry.
ˇ§However, we can understand Mr. Justice Wooˇ¦s anxiety to be extra cautious in such an important and sensitive matter and we respect his decision to stand down,ˇ¨ he said.
Urgent steps will now be taken to appoint another Commissioner to replace Mr. Justice Woo, the spokesman said.
ˇ§We will make a submission to the Executive Council shortly. We hope that the new Commissioner will be able to commence work on the Inquiry shortly after the appointment. An announcement will be made once a decision is taken,ˇ¨ he added.
Ends/Friday, March 16, 2007
Issued at HKT 22:59
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