Oath-row intervention reflects Beijing’s distrust of Hong Kong judges, lawyers say

Beijing’s intervention into the oath-taking controversy involving two lawmakers has put the High Court in an embarrassing ­position that reflects the central government’s distrust of judges, lawyers say.

The timing of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee was “unfortunate”, Bar ­Association chairwoman Winnie Tam Wan-chi SC said.

“Because the judicial process has already started, [the interpretation] would leave an impression to Hongkongers and the international community that the central government does not trust the Hong Kong judicial system to solve the problem,” she said.

Others urged the court not to be too concerned at the prospect of a ruling from the committee – particulary as this was the sentiment of society in 2001.

In the case of the Director of Immigration v Chong Fung Yuen, the Court of Final Appeal ruled that a Hong Kong court, in interpreting the Basic Law, should not consider how the Standing Committee would react.