The impartiality of Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung Oi-sie, who resigned from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong when she was appointed, was questioned last night.
But the challenge by independent Andrew Wong Wang-fat was dismissed by DAB candidate Lau Kong-wah at a Cable TV election forum in Sha Tin.
Mr Lau said Miss Leung had been appointed in accordance with the law and he did not think there was any problem over her integrity.
Mr Wong referring to the controversies over the non-prosecution of publishing tycoon Sally Aw Sian and Xinhua, asked if Miss Leung had conformed to the civil service rule of political neutrality.
The Frontier's Emily Lau Wai-hing said Liberal Party chief Allen Lee Peng-fei belonged to Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa's camp.
'You [Mr Lee] were a member of the 400-strong selection committee which returned the Chief Executive,' she said.
