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In a statement issued today (August 17), the Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, SC, said, "The judicial review in relation to foreign domestic helpers' right of abode in Hong Kong has been set down for hearing before the Court of First Instance on August 22 (Monday). The Government of the HKSAR will do its utmost to assist the Court to arrive at the right decision.
"As legal proceedings are in progress and the hearing of the case before the Court will commence soon, it is not appropriate for us now to make any comments, including going into the various legal arguments or other relevant issues involved. The public will be fully informed of the Government's stance and arguments in respect of the case through the hearing next week," Mr Wong said.
"I fully understand the concerns expressed over the case amongst different sectors of the community, and the different views over the possible impact any ruling of the Court may bring. I also fully respect everyone's right to freely express his or her views. However, as legal proceedings are in progress and the hearing is imminent, I sincerely urge the public, when they are minded to express any view, to show the greatest respect to our Court and our legal system, and to avoid as far as possible making any comments which might prejudice or affect the Court's adjudication of the case. This would enable our Court to make its decision fairly and independently, in accordance with the law and admissible evidence, and thereby safeguard judicial independence and the rule of law in Hong Kong," Mr Wong stressed.
Ends/Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:56
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