Bokhary warns of storm over rule of law

Bokhary warns of storm over rule of law

24-10-2012

Mr Justice Bokhary. Photo: RTHK A retiring top judge has warned that Hong Kong's rule of law is clouded by "a storm of unprecedented ferocity," saying voices disrespecting the city's autonomy are growing louder and louder.Mr Justice Bokhary made the stern remark in his farewell speech as he retires as a permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal. He added, however, that he believed it was just the same group of people making loud noises and in fact, he said, there are now actually more people who honour the city's autonomy than before, as younger generations grow up and learn about the system. He also said he had faith in his fellow judges who, he stressed, would continue to safeguard judicial independence. Mr Justice Bokhary said he disagreed with a former justice secretary, Elsie Leung, who earlier claimed that the legal profession in Hong Kong lacked an understanding of the SAR's relationship with Beijing. When asked how he felt about retiring, the judge said although it would allow him to spend more time with his family, he was sorry to go. He will be replaced by Mr Justice Robert Tang Ching, who is nine months older that him. This sparked speculation that Mr Justice Bokhary was pressured to leave, due to his readiness to criticise the government.