PCRD discloses links between Richard Li and appeals judge

Pacific Century Regional Developments, the majority shareholder of PCCW, yesterday disclosed that its chairman, Richard Li Tzar-kai, is an acquaintance of one of the judges that will hear the appeal against PCCW's privatisation.

However, the contacts between Mr Li and Mr Justice Anthony Rogers were limited and should not affect the judgment of the case, according to a letter issued by lawyers representing PCRD yesterday.

Arculli Fong & Ng, for PCRD, yesterday issued the letter in an attempt to clear the relations between Mr Li and Mr Justice Rogers, one of the three judges in the Court of Appeal's hearing next week. The other two are Mr Justice Peter Cheung Chak-yau and Mr Justice Aarif Barma.

'Although Mr Justice Rogers is acquainted with Mr Li, the only contacts Mr Li can recall so far are the following occasions: a party in September 2001 and a dinner gathering in March 2007,' the letter, written in Chinese, said.

The letter also said Mr Li had received a letter from Mr Justice Rogers regarding matters related to PCCW's Netvigator internet service in September 2007, followed by a telephone conversation a month later.

PCRD would not oppose Mr Justice Rogers' involvement in hearing the case next week, it said, adding that it also hoped other involved parties would confirm they would not oppose it.