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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, has accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) on the appointment of Mr Michael McHugh AC and Mr Justice Thomas Munro Gault DCNZM as non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions to the Court of Final Appeal and, subject to the endorsement of the Legislative Council, will make the appointment under Article 88 of the Basic Law.
Mr Tsang said, "I am pleased to accept the JORC's recommendation on the appointment of Mr Michael McHugh AC and Mr Justice Thomas Munro Gault DCNZM as non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions to the Court of Final Appeal. The two judges have eminent standing and reputation and their appointment will be a great asset to the Court of Final Appeal."
Article 90 of the Basic Law provides that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council on the appointment of the judges of the Court of Final Appeal and the Chief Judge of the High Court. The Chief Secretary for Administration will seek the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the recommended appointment in due course.
The curriculum vitae of the recommended appointees are at the Annex.
Ends/Friday, January 6, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:01
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