My Take | Geoffrey Ma’s timely reminder on the rule of law
- The farewell speech by the departing chief justice stressed that no one is above the law, even the government. Hopefully, his words resonated with those in power
When Geoffrey Ma Tao-li made his first speech as chief justice, 10 years ago on Sunday, he could not have imagined the challenges that lay ahead.
The Post report of his speech, at the opening of the new legal year, focused on the need for better quality mediators. If only that was the most pressing issue facing the judiciary today.
In his maiden speech, Ma explained the meaning of the rule of law and its importance to Hong Kong. This was a theme to which he was to return repeatedly during his decade as top judge. He did so again in his farewell speech on Wednesday. Ma ended where he began, but so much has happened in between.
The chief justice’s final plea on the rule of law, notably the importance of protecting rights and freedoms, could not have been better timed. It came on the day that 53 opposition figures were arrested under the National Security Law, raising fresh concerns about the wide application of the legislation imposed by Beijing last year.
His speech also comes at a tough time for the judiciary as it seeks to deliver justice in hundreds of cases arising from the civil unrest of 2019.
Ma said the rule of law provides a foundation to enable everyone to live and work with dignity, while recognising the interests of others. This is why it is said to be a cornerstone of the Hong Kong community.
No one is above the law, all are subject to it and equal under it, including the government, said Ma
The chief justice stressed the rule of law is not just about providing a sound environment for business or protecting law and order. It includes the enforcement of human rights. Ma gave freedom of assembly, procession, association and of the press as examples. These freedoms have come under pressure since the security law’s enactment.