The Chief Executive in Council has appointed High Court Justice of Appeal Yeung Chun-kuen as commissioner and chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on allegations relating to the Hong Kong Institute of Education, to succeed Justice Woo Kwok-hing, who quit last Friday.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang said Justice Yeung was appointed for his long and distinguished judicial service.

"We have full confidence that, Justice Yeung together with Lee Jark-pui, will conduct the inquiry in a completely fair and impartial manner," Mr Tsang said. 

Justice Yeung said he is honoured by the appointment and aware of the great responsibility that it entails.

"Given the keen concern of the community about this inquiry, I will strive, together with Lee Jark-pui, to work expeditiously to investigate the allegations relating to the Hong Kong Institute of Education. We will ensure that a high degree of impartiality and transparency is maintained throughout the inquiry."

Justice Yeung is expected to start the inquiry work on Thursday. The commission is still working towards the same timeline as when it was first appointed. It will submit its report to the Chief Executive as originally scheduled.