Six people have won Hong Kong's highest honour - including the man who led the committee handing out the gongs.
Legal figures make up half the Grand Bauhinia Medal recipients, with Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma Tao-li, Court of Final Appeal judge Mr Justice Kemal Bokhary and outgoing Secretary for Justice Wong Yan-lung all honoured.
Chief Secretary Stephen Lam Sui-lung, chairman of the honours committee, was also given the top honour. He took no part in discussions about his own award, but that did not stop criticism from some observers.
Wharf (Holdings) chairman Peter Woo Kwong-ching and property tycoon Lui Che-woo complete the list, the last to be approved by Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen before he leaves office at midnight tonight.
A total of 295 people were given awards for their 'lifelong and highly significant contribution to the well-being of Hong Kong', the honours committee said in its citation.
The honour for Lam, who consistently ranks among the least popular members of the government in public polling and has been dubbed the 'the human recorder' by those who say he endlessly trots out the official line, prompted the most debate.
Lam, who plans to study theology in Britain, was honoured for his 'outstanding ability and experience in public administration' and the fact he 'has made significant contributions in helping the government steer through many challenges'.