Basic Law panel member Maria Tam receives Grand Bauhinia Medal

Political heavyweight Maria Tam Wai-chu, who recently sparked controversy with her remarks on universal suffrage, is one of four people who have won Hong Kong's highest honour.

Other recipients of the Grand Bauhinia Medal include Buddhist leader Sik Kok Kwong, 94, the oldest person to receive the award this year, and two Court of Final Appeal judges - Mr Justice Anthony Mason and Mr Justice Patrick Chan Siu-oi.

A total of 377 people were recognised for their contribution to the city - the first time the awards were approved by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.

No one on the list is a clear supporter of Leung, or has worked in his office, in contrast to earlier speculation about who would receive the awards.

"The awards recognise their significant contributions to Hong Kong or their dedicated public and community service," said a government spokeswoman.

Tam, a veteran Basic Law Committee member, in April said the UN's International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights indicated that the right to vote, not the right to nominate or be elected, was universal.