Exco member likely for top post, say lawyers

Executive Councillor Andrew Li Kwok-nang QC was yesterday picked to be recommended as post-handover chief justice, sources in the legal sector said.

The Judicial Officers' Recommendation Commission met to decide on a suitable candidate to put up to Chief Executive-designate Tung Chee-hwa.

Commission members refused to comment about any decision at the 2.5-hour meeting.

It was understood at least six candidates were considered by the commission.

'We will explain the procedures and criteria we have taken into account after the decision is announced. The public can criticise it if they are not satisfied,' one member said.

The Legislative Council's judiciary and legal services panel yesterday decided to send letters to the Chief Executive-designate and the Chief Secretary asking them to clarify the operations of the commission.