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Jimmy Cheung

The appointment of Wong Yan-lung has won rare praise from prominent lawyers and politicians.

Few question the senior counsel's integrity and professionalism, but several are concerned about  his lack of political experience  and the challenge  of leading a team of seasoned government lawyers.

Pro-Beijing politicians cautioned that he has a daunting task ahead in forging closer ties with mainland leaders.

'I welcome the appointment of Wong Yan-lung as secretary for justice,' said Chief Justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang  in a statement. 'He is ...  widely respected for his dedication, integrity and professionalism.'

Bar Association chairman  Philip Dykes  said:  'The Bar generally thinks the appointment is a good one because he has shown qualities of service  necessary to carry over into the secretary for justice's job.

'We expect that he will carry out his duties under the Basic Law efficiently and conscientiously. It is essential that the secretary has a good working relationship with the heads of both professions [solicitors and barristers].'

But he said Mr Wong must be prepared to speak up when necessary. 'If the government does not follow the Basic Law, he has the duty to point it out.'

Ronny Tong Ka-wah,  of the Article 45 Concern Group, expressed concern over Mr Wong's political inexperience in leading a team of veteran legal professionals in the Department of Justice. 'I hope he will be able to lead the team,' he said.

Lau Kong-wah, vice-chairman of the  Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said his endorsement clearly showed Mr Wong had won the trust of Beijing, but he warned that building on this relationship  presented a daunting challenge.

Democrat Martin Lee Chu-ming  described Mr Wong as a man of integrity, adding that the appointment showed Beijing was adopting a more liberal approach towards Hong Kong.

Democratic Party chairman Lee Wing-tat  said the public had high hopes that Mr Wong would defend Hong Kong's rule of law, while Tsang Yok-sing,  an executive councillor and DAB legislator, said he believed the new justice minister would understand the complexity and conflicts arising from the 'one country, two systems' model.

Executive Councillor-designate Anthony Cheung Bing-leung  believed Mr Wong's appointment would open a new chapter for Hong Kong.

He said it would take some time for Mr Wong to familiarise himself with the political work with the Legislative Council,  but  believed that he could handle it.

The assistant director of the central government liaison office, Wang Rudeng , expressed confidence in Mr Wong's ability to discharge his duty.

Issues ahead

Law on covert surveillance

'No win, no fee'  arrangements between lawyers and clients

Replacing several  justice officials who may retire soon

The gay age of consent case appeal

Rendition/mutual enforcement of judgments agreement with the mainland



A man of integrity, but lack of political experience a concern