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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, has accepted the early retirement of the Hon Chief Justice Mr Andrew Kwok-nang Li. He will start his pre-retirement leave on September 1, 2010.
Chief Justice Li became the first Chief Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 1, 1997. He will be 61 and would have served in his position for 13 years by August 2010 when he leaves office.
Article 2 of the Basic Law prescribes that the National People's Congress authorises the Special Administrative Region to exercise a high degree of autonomy and enjoy executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Law.
Mr Tsang praised Chief Justice Li for his invaluable contribution to the successful operation of our legal system and the implementation of the rule of law as prescribed by the Basic Law.
The Chief Executive thanked Chief Justice Li on behalf of the community for his long and exemplary service. He said Justice Li was instrumental in perfecting the Special Administrative Region's judiciary by enhancing its professionalism, transparency and service efficiency.
Mr Tsang said he respected Chief Justice Li's personal decision and wished him a long and happy early retirement.
"I have asked the judiciary to activate the procedures to fill the vacancy of the Chief Justice in accordance with the Basic Law and other relevant legal provisions. I trust that Chief Justice Li will work closely with the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission in the next few months to prepare for the selection of his successor," said Mr Tsang.
Ends/Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:07
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