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The Government announced today (September 14) the appointment of the chairman and members of the newly set up Steering Committee on the Provision of Legal Advice for Litigants in Person.
The Secretary for Home Affairs has appointed Mr Justice Pang Kin-kee as the chairman of the Steering Committee, and Dr Anne Cheung Shann-yue, Ms Angelina Lai Fung-yee, Mr Tony Tse Wai-chuen and Miss Catherine Yen Kai-shun as members of the Steering Committee.
Mr Giles Surman and Mr Stephen Hung Wan-shun as representatives of the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong respectively are also appointed.
Members of the Steering Committee also include representatives from the Home Affairs Bureau, the Legal Aid Department and the Judiciary.
The Steering Committee is responsible for advising the Secretary for Home Affairs on the policy and operation of the Two-year Pilot Scheme to Provide Legal Advice for Litigants in Person, tentatively scheduled to commence operation by the end of 2012, and the future arrangements with regard to the provision of legal advice for litigants in person.
"The chairman of the Steering Committee, Mr Justice Pang Kin-kee, is a retiring Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court. With Mr Justice Pang's wealth of experience in public service and judicial background, the Steering Committee should be able to provide strategic direction on the operation of the Scheme, and advise on the way forward under his leadership," a Government spokesman said.
"Coming from different backgrounds, including the legal, social welfare, professional and academic fields, members of the Steering Committee possess diversified knowledge and extensive experience, and will be able to provide invaluable advice to the Government," the spokesman added.
The term of appointment of the chairman and members of the Steering Committee is from September 15, 2012, to December 31, 2014.
Ends/Friday, September 14, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:31
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