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The man who resigned as a High Court Recorder to stand for the Election Committee says the poll is important for everyone.

Former Bar Association chairman Edward Chan King-sang  said yesterday he hoped to play his part in picking the right person.

Mr Chan, the eighth most senior member on the Bar list,  said both roles were 'very important and serious' and his decision to quit was made after  'mature consideration'.

He was speaking a day after his resignation - the first  since a guideline barring part-time judges from actively participating in political activities was issued by Chief Justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang  in June - was revealed.

'I think it's always an important and serious task to choose the chief executive and I think that the choice of the right person to be the chief executive is really very important  and affects nearly everyone,' he said.

'As a High Court judge you make important decisions obviously, and your decision may indirectly affect people's confidence in Hong Kong but it's a lot more indirect.' Mr Chan tendered his resignation last Thursday.

He was first appointed a High Court Recorder in 1995 and the appointment had been renewed every three years.

Under the guideline for part-time judges, standing as a candidate, nominating or campaigning for candidates of the Legislative Council, district councils, the Election Committee or the chief executive election are forbidden.

Asked if there was any chance of being reappointed, he said: 'I do not entertain any sort of expectation or hope that I may be reappointed.  That's something in the future.'

He insisted his decision  had not been influenced by barrister legislator Alan Leong Kah-kit's  plan to stand for chief executive, nor had he already  decided who would get his vote.

'As an individual, there's very little an Election Committee member can do, but I am prepared to do my part,' said Mr Chan, who stepped down as Bar Association chairman last year.

Asked if he believed the guideline on part-time judges should stay, he said: 'If you don't accept the guideline, then resign. I don't like to pass any comment as whether these guidelines are appropriate or inappropriate.'



Poll important for all, says judge who quit