My decisions lawful: SJ

January 5, 2018

Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen:

The Central People's Government has accepted my resignation. Today is my last day as the Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. And my resignation will take effect from tomorrow, that is January 6 this year. In the past five-and-a-half years, I think Hong Kong has gone through a number of events and challenges. I am very, very privileged to have the chance to serve as the Secretary for Justice during this period. 

May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to both the former Chief Executive as well as the incumbent Chief Executive for nominating me, and also my gratitude to the Central People's Government for appointing me as the Secretary for Justice during this period of time so that I have the opportunity to handle all of the work. May I also take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the colleagues within the Government including of course all the Principal Officials as well as members of the disciplinary forces and of course all the colleagues in the Department of Justice. I think without their assistance and support, it would be difficult to handle many of the challenges that we faced during the past five-and-a-half years or so. 

Making the decision not to continue as the Secretary for Justice is not an easy one, but I believe that at different stages of life, one should do different things. And I am extremely glad that Ms Teresa Cheng, Senior Counsel, is appointed as the next Secretary for Justice. With her very extensive experience and wisdom, I have every confidence that she would perform very well. On this note, if I may wish all of you and indeed the whole of Hong Kong every success in the future endeavours of Hong Kong.

Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen said the Central People’s Government has accepted his resignation and that decisions he made during his tenure were in accordance with the law.

Speaking to the media today, he said Hong Kong has faced numerous challenges in the past five-and-a-half years and there were bound to be differences of opinion over his work and decisions.

“I think in all those cases, hand on heart, I can tell you that on each and every occasion, the ultimate decision was made in accordance with the law.

“We understand that people would have perhaps very divergent views. In my post, my belief has all along been that we have to stick to legal principles even though we know that some people may not like our decisions.”

Mr Yuen thanked both the former and incumbent Chief Executive for nominating him and also the Central Government for appointing him as Secretary for Justice.

He also expressed gratitude to his colleagues, adding that without their assistance and support it would have been difficult to handle many challenges.

Mr Yuen said he was confident Secretary for Justice designate Teresa Cheng would perform very well in the post with her extensive experience and wisdom.