The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
The Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Geoffrey Ma Tao-li, today (March 24) welcomed the acceptance by the Chief Executive of the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) on the appointment of the Honourable Mr Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung (Mr Justice Cheung), Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, as the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal with effect from January 11, 2021. The Chief Justice noted that the Government would be seeking the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the recommended appointment. He stated that pending such endorsement, it would not be appropriate to comment further except to state that he has every confidence that Mr Justice Cheung will, if appointed, make an outstanding Chief Justice, that he will continue to uphold the rule of law and protect judicial independence, and that under his leadership, the Judiciary will continue to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the individual.
The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal is the final appellate court in Hong Kong. It consists of the Chief Justice and the permanent judges. Non-permanent judges may be invited to sit. The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance (Cap. 484) provides that the Chief Justice shall be the head of the Judiciary and shall be charged with the administration of the Judiciary and such other functions as may from time to time be lawfully conferred on him.
Mr Justice Cheung stated that he is honoured by the Chief Executive's acceptance of JORC's recommendation on the appointment. He said that he is fully conscious of the community's high expectations of the Judiciary and that if appointed he will do his utmost to ensure that the rule of law and judicial independence are maintained and that the rights and freedoms of the individual are safeguarded.
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