Body 'must advise'

Judges could disregard the Standing Committee's reinterpretation if it did not consult the Basic Law Committee, a senior counsel said yesterday.

Alan Hoo Hon-ching said: 'The interpretation will lose its legal status if the Standing Committee does not follow the steps written in the law.' He added the Government's decision was appropriate.

'The court has misinterpreted the Basic Law. The Government only wants to make a correction,' he said.