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Stuart Lau

An hour spent listening to Rafael Hui Si-yan's musical appreciation aroused the curiosity of the trial judge, Mr Justice Andrew Macrae, about vinyl records.
Just before the tea break, Macrae suggested that the former chief secretary, who was testifying in Cantonese, enlighten him in English about the value of newly produced vinyl LP (long-play) records.
"My Lord," an enthusiastic Hui replied, "I think we should not talk about the newly produced ones."
He went on to explain the difference in prices between LPs and CDs. "In terms of value, newly produced ones are at least a few times more, if not 10 times more, than the CDs," he said.
"But originally printed ones are many, many more times … particularly classical music."
Hui wrapped up his brief insight with a joke on his current bankrupt status. "My personal liquidator must be very happy."
Along with four co-defendants, Hui had been sitting in the dock since the trial started in May.
Taking the stand yesterday for the first time, the greying 66-year-old cut a serious figure. He wore a long jacket and switched between two pairs of glasses. The University of Hong Kong English major who graduated in 1970 chose to testify in Cantonese.
As the day's session started, Macrae reminded Hui to stick to Cantonese in his testimony. "We all know you speak English perfectly. [But] please give your answer in Cantonese," the judge said.
At one point, Hui interrupted the interpreter when she failed to give the full Chinese name of the "Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference" - he had been a member of its standing committee.
The court also had a peek into Hui's personal life. "Your parents died quite a number of years ago," his counsel, Edwin Choy Wai-bond, said. "When your mother died, you inherited a flat from her on Heard Street, Wan Chai." Hui also testified that he married Teresa Lo in 1974. His testimony continues on Monday.
 


Testimony that's music to the ears of the court

Former Chief Secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan leaves the High Court in Admiralty. Photo: Nora Tam

News

Hong Kong

An hour spent listening to Rafael Hui Si-yan's musical appreciation aroused the curiosity of the trial judge, Mr Justice Andrew Macrae, about vinyl records.


Testimony that's music to the ears of the court

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}An hour spent listening to Rafael Hui Si-yan's musical appreciation aroused the curiosity of the trial judge, Mr Justice Andrew Macrae, about vinyl records.

An hour spent listening to Rafael Hui Si-yan's musical appreciation aroused the curiosity of the trial judge, Mr Justice Andrew Macrae, about vinyl records.