Teresa Cheng to uphold rule of law

January 5, 2018

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng (Designate):
I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. And I would like to express my thanks to the Chief Executive and the Central People's Government for their trust, nomination and appointment of me to this very important post.

The Secretary for Justice is the head of the Department of Justice, serving as the principal legal adviser to the Chief Executive, the various government bureaus, departments and agencies. We also control the criminal prosecution without any interference, and another task that we take on board is that of protecting public interest. The prime mission of the Secretary for Justice is to uphold the rule of law.

Hong Kong has returned to the Mainland for 20 years now. "One country, two systems" is the most favourable and appropriate arrangement for Hong Kong. However, as we know, during its implementation, there have been situations whereby some unprecedented legal challenges have arisen. "One country, two systems" is an innovative constitutional arrangement in unitary states. And for that reason, I can understand at times people may have different views about "one country, two systems" and perhaps also the Basic Law. However, if we insist on applying legal principles, objectively and rationally analyse the Basic Law, which is promulgated by the National People's Congress in accordance with the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, we will ultimately arrive at the same legal conclusion.

Over the years, I have taken part in a number of public services in the legal as well as the non-legal sector. At this point in time, and in this very occasion, the fact that I am appointed as the Secretary for Justice in this new post gives me a great honour, but also provides me challenge so that I can continue to serve the society of Hong Kong. With the same conviction as always, I will do my best, using my professional knowledge and experience to serve and contribute to Hong Kong.

Last but not least, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for Rimsky’s contribution to Hong Kong that we have all been able to see through his hard work, dedication and devotion.

Secretary for Justice designate Teresa Cheng said her prime mission will be to uphold the rule of law, and that her appointment is both a great honour and a challenge.

“The Secretary for Justice is the head of the Department of Justice, serving as the principal legal adviser to the Chief Executive, the various government bureaus, departments and agencies.

“We also control the criminal prosecution without any interference, and another task that we take on board is that of protecting public interest. The prime mission of the Secretary for Justice is to uphold the rule of law.”

She added “one country, two systems” is the most appropriate arrangement for Hong Kong, despite unprecedented legal challenges that have arisen during its implementation.

“I can understand at times people may have different views about ‘one country, two systems’ and perhaps also the Basic Law.

“However, if we insist on applying legal principles, objectively and rationally analyse the Basic Law, which is promulgated by the National People’s Congress in accordance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, we will ultimately arrive at the same legal conclusion.”

Ms Cheng said she will continue to serve the community with her professional knowledge and experience.

She thanked Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the Central People's Government for their trust in her and also thanked outgoing Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen for his contribution to Hong Kong.