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The Government announced today (December 5) that on the nomination and recommendation of the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, the Central People's Government has appointed Mr Lee Ming-kwai, Deputy Commissioner of Police, as the Commissioner of Police. Mr Lee will take up the post with effect from December 10, 2003 upon the retirement of Mr Tsang Yam-pui.
Mr Tsang, incumbent Commissioner of Police, will proceed on pre-retirement leave on December 10, 2003. On the recommendation of the Chief Executive, the Central People's Government has approved the removal of Mr Tsang's appointment from the Principal Official post upon his retirement.
Commenting on the appointment of Mr Lee Ming-kwai, the Chief Executive said: "Mr Lee has served in the Hong Kong Police Force for nearly thirty-one years and he has thorough understanding of the work of the Police Force. Over the years, Mr Lee has devoted himself to improving the efficiency and professionalism of the Police Force. I am confident that he will effectively lead the Police Force in meeting the challenges ahead."
Speaking on the retirement of Mr Tsang Yam-pui, the Chief Executive said: "Since taking up the appointment as Commissioner of Police in 2001, Mr Tsang has demonstrated excellent foresight and remarkable leadership. Under his command, the Police Force has continued to serve as a first-class professional team, which has effectively safeguarded the law and order of our community. We sincerely wish Mr Tsang a happy retirement."
The Government also announced today the promotion of Mr Tang King-shing to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police. Mr Tang will succeed Mr Lee Ming-kwai as Deputy Commissioner of Police on December 10, 2003.
The following are biographical notes on Mr Tsang Yam-pui, Mr Lee Ming-kwai and Mr Tang King-shing:
Mr Tsang Yam-pui
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Mr Tsang Yam-pui, aged 57, joined the Hong Kong Police Force as a Probationary Inspector in January 1966.
Mr Tsang has held a variety of posts during his 37 years of service with the Force, including duties in the Uniform Branch and as a detective officer in the Anti-Corruption Office, Illegal Immigration Intelligence Bureau and the Narcotics Bureau. He was District Commander of Yaumatei and Shamshuipo in 1984-1987, head of the Narcotics Bureau in 1987-1989, head of Crime Wing in 1992-1994, Regional Commander of Hong Kong Island in 1994 and Director of Crime & Security responsible for both the Crime Wing and Security Wing in 1995. He was promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner in May 1996 and was appointed Commissioner in January 2001.
During his career in the Force, Mr Tsang has been awarded a number of honours including the Commissioner's Commendation, the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service, the Queen's Police Medal, OBE, Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal and Gold Bauhinia Star.
Mr Lee Ming-kwai
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Mr Lee Ming-kwai, aged 53, joined the Hong Kong Police Force in December 1972 as a Probationary Inspector.
Mr Lee has taken up different positions in various Police divisions/regions. He was Divisional Commander of Tai Po and Deputy District Commander of Tai Po between 1986 and 1988. He was then posted to work in the then Urban Services Department and later in a Police School in the U.K. He was District Commander of Wanchai and Deputy Regional Commander of New Territories North between 1992 and 1994.
Mr Lee was appointed as Assistant Commissioner Operations when he was promoted to the rank in 1995. After promotion to the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police in 1998, he took command as Director of Management Services and Director of Operations. Mr Lee was promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police in 2001 and has been assigned the duties of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management) and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations).
During his career in the Force, Mr Lee has been awarded the Commander's Commendation, Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service, Queen's Police Medal, Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal, Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal with 1st Clasp and the Chief Executive's Commendation.
Mr Tang King-shing
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Mr Tang King-shing, aged 49, joined the Hong Kong Police Force in July 1976 as a Probationary Inspector.
Mr Tang spent a large part of his early career in the Special Duties Unit, the Force's anti-terrorist arm, before he was promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police in 1986. He was further promoted to Senior Superintendent of Police in 1992 and to Chief Superintendent of Police in 1996. During this period he served primarily in the Uniform Branch in a number of postings including a two-year secondment to the Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom; District Commander of Airport; Chief Superintendent (Special Duty) for the 1997 Handover of Sovereignty Ceremonies; District Commander of Mongkok and Deputy Regional Commander of Hong Kong Island.
He was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police in 1999 and posted as the Assistant Commissioner (Personnel) until his promotion to Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police on March 20, 2002 holding the current post of Director of Operations.
During his career in the Force, Mr Tang has been awarded the Colonial Police Long Service Medal, Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal with 1st Clasp and the Hong Kong Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
End/Friday, December 5, 2003
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