Hong Kong Bar Association head stresses importance of ‘public perception’ after incoming deputy justice minister retains party membership
- Remarks from Senior Counsel Victor Dawes come as role of incoming deputy secretary for justice in prosecutorial decisions remains undefined
- Solicitor-turned-lawmaker Horace Cheung has decided to remain a member of city’s largest pro-establishment party after appointment to incoming governing team
The head of the Hong Kong Bar Association has said “public perception is important” after it emerged the incoming deputy secretary for justice will retain membership of the city’s largest pro-establishment party, as it remained unclear if he would be involved in prosecution decisions.
The remarks by Senior Counsel Victor Dawes on Monday referred to the decision by Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, a solicitor-turned-lawmaker, to remain a member of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) after his appointment as the deputy to the incoming secretary for justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok.
Despite continuing to remain a DAB member, Cheung has resigned from his role as a legislator following his appointment.
Several politicians had previously continued to be members of political parties after being selected as ministers, such as former home affairs chief Caspar Tsui Ying-wai and Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu, both of the DAB.
However, the unique role played by the justice department has sparked debate on whether it would be appropriate for Cheung to do the same, especially when he could be involved in prosecution decisions.
But Dawes said he believed the incoming deputy secretary for justice was aware of such concerns and would act appropriately.