Wong Yan-lung will avoid seeking Beijing's reading on mini-constitution
Hong Kong's new secretary for justice, Wong Yan-lung, yesterday pledged to uphold the rule of law and avoid seeking any more interpretations of the Basic Law by Beijing.
The 41-year-old senior barrister also said he would not blindly adopt the views of mainland legal experts, saying it was important to ensure Hong Kong's point of view was understood, and vice versa, to 'build mutual trust' with the mainland.
The State Council yesterday announced its ratification of Elsie Leung Oi-sie's resignation as justice minister, which she presented to Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen on October 7, ending weeks of speculation. As expected, Beijing appointed Mr Wong to the post, based on Mr Tsang's nomination.
The news received positive responses across the political spectrum, with democrats agreeing that Mr Wong's appointment was a sign the Beijing leadership was being open-minded.
'As secretary for justice, I will be true to my conscience,' Mr Wong said. 'I see very clearly my role as secretary for justice in terms of upholding the rule of law ... Carrying out criminal prosecutions without being subject to interference and defending human rights are the missions of the secretary for justice.'
At a meet the media session, Mr Wong was asked repeatedly about his participation in lawyers' marches in 1999 and early this year protesting against the government's decision to seek a interpretation of the Basic Law from the National People's Congress Standing Committee on right of abode and the term of the chief executive.