THE next Director of Legal Aid first learned of his promotion when he read about it in a newspaper.
Chan Shu-ying's posting was officially announced yesterday. But the Legal Department's principal Crown counsel said an article in the Chinese press two months ago assured him that the job would be his.
The new director will take up his post in June when he succeeds Lady Pauline Cheung Cheng Po-lin upon her retirement.
Mr Chan, 48, said he had not yet met colleagues to discuss possible strategies for shoring up the department's battered reputation.
Critics claim legal aid is not freely available and that its links to the Government undermine the department's independence.
'I will discuss with directors and colleagues how decisions are made in the department to be sure they are made properly, independently and in accordance with the ordinance regulations,' Mr Chan said, adding that he did not plan major changes.