Staying true to rule of law, Hong Kong’s former chief justice relied on expertise with a dash of common sense
- Retiring after 10 years, Geoffrey Ma is remembered as fair-minded, down-to-earth judge
- Unfazed by criticism of courts, former chief justice cites Basic Law, affirms judicial independence
Much has changed in Hong Kong since the day Geoffrey Ma Tao-li took office in 2010 as the city’s chief justice.
He had spoken about that in his first major speech as chief justice in 2011, when he said the rule of law was not only about giving Hong Kong a competitive edge. Rather, he added: “Its particular importance … lies in the assurance to all who live here … that one’s rights are fully recognised and protected.”
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Chief justice opens legal year with pledge to uphold Hong Kong’s judicial independence
Ma, who turns 65 on Monday, returned to the theme in his last official speech on Wednesday, saying the rule of law was not just about the city being conducive to business and investment, nor was it even about law and order in and of itself.
“It also includes the recognition and enforcement of those rights we call human rights and fundamental freedom … always of course recognising as well the importance of the respect for the rights and entitlements of others in the community,” he said.