Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor speaks to the media ahead of an Executive Council meeting in Hong Kong, March 24, 2020. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government will appoint Andrew Cheung Kui-nung as the new Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced Tuesday.

Upon appointment, Cheung will succeed Geoffrey Ma Tao-li and become the third Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal. His term starts on Jan 11, 2021

Speaking to reporters ahead of a weekly Executive Council meeting, Lam said she had accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) to appoint Cheung. The government will seek the endorsement of the Legislative Council in due course, Lam said. 

Upon appointment, Cheung will succeed Geoffrey Ma Tao-li and become the third Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal. His term starts on Jan 11, 2021.

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The Legislative Council is currently facing an impasse over delay in electing a House Committee chairman. Lam called on lawmakers to elect a chairman as soon as possible. 

Cheung has served as a Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong since Oct 25, 2018. He joined the judiciary as a District Judge in June 2001.

Cheung on Tuesday said he was honored that the Chief Executive had accepted the JORC's recommendations. 

He said that he was fully aware of the community's high expectations of the Judiciary. If appointed, he would do his utmost to ensure that the rule of law and judicial independence are maintained and that the rights and freedoms of the individual are safeguarded.

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Ma said that he was confident that Cheung would make an outstanding Chief Justice and continue to uphold the rule of law and protect judicial independence, if his appointment is ratified by the legislature.  

He also said he expected the Judiciary would continue to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the individual under Cheung’s leadership.

Also welcoming the recommendation, President of the Law Society of Hong Kong Melissa Kaye Pang said that Cheung is highly qualified for the position with his extensive judicial and administrative experience, as well as his reputation within and outside the judiciary.