My Hong Kong
Justice Kemal Bokhary qualified as a barrister in England at 23, and returned to work in Hong Kong, where he was born, a year later. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1983 and is now one of the four permanent judges in the Court of Final Appeal.
Where are you most likely to be at 10am on a Sunday? At home in my living room, sitting next to my wife, with our bullmastiff lying at our feet, reading the South China Morning Post.
Where are you most likely to be at 10pm on a Friday? At home, about to stop working in my study, and wondering whether to read a book on anthropology or watch a BBC video.
Where do you go to escape in Hong Kong? There's nothing here from which I wish to escape. My wife and I do, however, like taking the dog for a quiet walk.
Whom in Hong Kong do you most admire? Members of my family. For many reasons, including putting up with me.
Whom do you least admire? I will not focus on any particular person but I do not like people of a sour disposition.
What inspires you? The great goodness in others.
What was your most haunting experience? A night visit to the fatal scene of the 1993 Lan Kwai Fong disaster, which I made while conducting an enquiry into that tragic event.
What do you love most about Hong Kong after you've been away? Just returning. Even though our children are studying abroad, my wife and I still love Hong Kong. The best times are when our children are here on vacation.
What do you hate most? I do not hate anything in particular here.
What do you love about your work? Participating in the development of our constitutional jurisprudence.
What don't you like about it? The occasional doubt I feel about how well I am doing it
What is your favourite memory? There are many golden memories, all to do with my family and it is difficult to choose any one. Professionally, it is the memory of seeing my name painted on the door of the chambers when I began my practice at the Bar. Not even taking my seat in the Court of Final Appeal meant as much to me.
When was the last time you did something stupid? Some people may say it was agreeing to be interviewed. But there are worse things. All secret of course.
Which is your favourite Government body? They all do important work, but the Legislative Council is worth a special mention.
What is the most overrated thing about Hong Kong? It is difficult to say. Most of the things to which we attach importance nowadays are truly important.
What makes you cry? Onions.
What makes you smile? Thinking about my three daughters, especially when I think of them when they were small. All three are now at universities in London.
What has been your biggest mistake? I do not know yet. Maybe I will never know.
Is there something that you are very proud of? My family and many of my friends, some of whom have taught me a lot.
What are your plans for the future? To continue doing what I am doing now and try to do it better. I am a long way away from retirement, but I will remain in Hong Kong afterwards.
Give us some wisdom. Look, above all, for the good and positive in people.
