Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
LC: Opening remarks by CS in moving resolution on appointment of the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal
*******************************************************

     Following is the English translation of the opening remarks by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, in moving the resolution under Article 73(7) of the Basic Law and Section 7A of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance on the appointment of the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal in the Legislative Council today (June 9):

Mr President,

     I move that this Council endorses the appointment of the Honourable Mr Geoffrey Ma Tao-li as the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA).

Chief Justice of the CFA

     The Chief Justice is the President of the CFA and the head of the Judiciary.  He is charged with the administration of the Judiciary and the execution of various statutory powers and functions vested in him.

     Pursuant to Article 88 of the Basic Law and the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) Ordinance (Cap. 92), judges of the courts of the HKSAR shall be appointed by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of the JORC.  Article 90 of the Basic Law provides that in the case of the appointment of judges of the CFA, the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council.

The current appointment

     The incumbent Chief Justice Mr Andrew Li will cease service on August 31, 2010.  The JORC has recommended to the Chief Executive the appointment of Mr Justice Ma, currently Chief Judge of the High Court, as the Chief Justice of the CFA with effect from September 1, 2010.

     The curriculum vitae of Mr Justice Ma has been set out in the Administration's paper issued to the Legislative Council on April 8, 2010.  Mr Justice Ma was appointed as a Recorder of the High Court in November 2000 until his appointment as a Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court in December 2001.  He heard cases involving various aspects of civil law.  Mr Justice Ma was appointed as a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court in November 2002, hearing both criminal and civil appeals.  Mr Justice Ma was appointed as the Chief Judge of the High Court in July 2003, leading the High Court both judicially and administratively.  

     Mr Justice Ma is an outstanding lawyer with exceptional judicial, professional and personal qualities.  He is a man of high integrity and commands strong respect within and outside the Judiciary, and he is held in high esteem by members of the legal profession.  Having served with distinction as the Chief Judge of the High Court for nearly seven years, Mr Justice Ma also has proven administrative and leadership qualities.  The Chief Executive is pleased to accept the JORC's recommendation on the appointment of Mr Justice Ma as the Chief Justice of the CFA.  Subject to the endorsement of this Council, the appointment would take effect on September 1, 2010.

     In accordance with the procedures previously endorsed by the Legislative Council, the Administration informed the House Committee on April 8, 2010 that the Chief Executive had accepted the recommendation of the JORC on this appointment.  Representatives from the Administration and the Secretary to the JORC attended the meeting of the Subcommittee on Proposed Senior Judicial Appointments set up under the House Committee on May 4 and responded to members' questions.  I would like to thank the Honourable Margaret Ng, Chairman of the Subcommittee, and other members of the Subcommittee for their support of the proposed appointment.

     I invite members to endorse the appointment.

Ends/Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:11

NNNN

Print this page