Dick Lee Ming-kwai had to face the music on his first day as police commissioner - when activists played Beethoven's Symphony No5 outside his office to satirise his efforts to drown out protesters by broadcasting the work at the 1997 handover ceremony. But yesterday there was a chorus of approval for his performance since that day in December 2003. Police officers and lawmakers hailed his good rapport with rank-and-file officers in the wake of news that he will begin pre-retirement leave in January. One senior officer called Mr Lee the most popular commissioner in decades. Tony Liu Kit-ming, chairman of the Police Inspectors' Association, said Mr Lee had forged a good relationship between management and police on the ground. 'He is always careful to take into account officers' opinions before making decisions,' he said. While Mr Liu said he had never in his 24 years on the force seen a commissioner leave early, he doubted it would cause a problem at the top. Several long-serving officers said the commissioner had made no secret of his intention to leave early. Mr Lee's 34 years of service saw him rise from the uniformed ranks to the criminal investigation section of the force. 'He's been the most popular commissioner in decades, and that is not an exaggeration,' one senior expatriate officer said of his tenure. 'He is able to make decisions, often difficult ones, and more often than not get them right. He is well regarded by the administration.' Another officer said he was sad to see Mr Lee go because he had 'always been a policeman first' and was a popular figure with the public. 'We have been going through some very difficult changes, including budget cuts, and still he has managed to improve the service,' the officer said. Lau Kong-wah, spokesman on security issues for the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said the commissioner had cemented his standing with the police and public of Hong Kong with the leadership he showed during the violent protests which marked the World Trade Organisation ministerial conference in December. As for the complaint about playing Beethoven in 1997, the Independent Police Complaints Council ruled Mr Lee had overstepped his powers. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE THE SITUATION Dick Lee turns 57 in October next year. Under normal circumstances, the commissioner tends to stay for three months (i.e. until January 2008) to facilitate the transition. But by then, Gordon Fung would also be leaving, requiring a reshuffle of top brass. If Dick Lee leaves next January instead, it will give Tang King-shing a year to work with Gordon Fung. THE SUCCESSION When Dick Lee leaves the police force in January Tang King-shing will be appointed commissioner Gordon Fung will remain in his post. He is due to retire in January 2008 Peter Yam will replace Mr Tang as deputy commissioner, operations Andy Tsang will succeed Mr Fung as deputy commissioner, management
