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The Government announced today (March 17) the appointment of Ms Connie Lau Yin-hing as the new Ombudsman for a term of five years commencing April 1, 2014. The appointment is made by the Chief Executive in accordance with The Ombudsman Ordinance (Cap. 397).
Ms Lau joined the Consumer Council in 1974 and was its Chief Executive from 2007 to 2012. Ms Lau has a proven track record in leading the Consumer Council and was widely recognised for advocating protection of consumer interests locally and internationally. She has been active in public service and has participated in many advisory and statutory bodies, including the Expert Committee on Food Safety, the Advisory Committee on Travel Agents and the Estate Agents Authority.
Commenting on the appointment, the Chief Executive said, "Ms Lau has over 30 years of experience in public administration and possesses proven leadership, management and communication skills. Her distinguished career with the Consumer Council bears testimony to her professionalism and strong sense of fairness. These remarkable attributes are widely recognised by the community. I am confident that under Ms Lau's leadership, the Office of The Ombudsman will continue to serve as an independent and impartial channel for redress in the community."
The term of office of the incumbent, Mr Alan Lai, will expire on March 31, 2014. In paying tribute to the outgoing Ombudsman, the Chief Executive said, "Mr Lai has demonstrated seasoned leadership and strong commitment to the work of the Office of The Ombudsman in the last five years. Guiding his Office in conducting independent, objective and impartial investigation into maladministration complaints, Mr Lai has contributed significantly to a fairer and more efficient public administration. His devotion and achievements have earned him respect both within and beyond the public service."
The Chief Executive also expressed his personal thanks for the exemplary service Mr Lai rendered as The Ombudsman and wished him every success in his future endeavours.
An open recruitment exercise was conducted to select the new Ombudsman and a Selection Board was appointed to consider the candidates and make recommendation to the Chief Executive. The Selection Board was chaired by Mr Chow Chung-kong and its members comprised Mrs Fanny Law, Mr Eric Li and the Director of Administration, Ms Kitty Choi.
Ends/Monday, March 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:15
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