'Lip service' to rule of law

The Government has scant respect for the rule of law, Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee complained.

She said the administration paid only lip service to this fundamental issue and the Policy Address had only one short paragraph on it.

Ms Ng, the legal profession's representative, said the Government's objections to Legco Rules of Procedure and its 'headlong rush' to abolish the two municipal councils were examples of its disrespect for the rule of law.

Its refusal to disclose its stake in listed companies also gave the impression that it would decide when it stood above the law, she said.

The administration has insisted it has immunity from disclosing its stake.