Alice Tai has been reappointed as the Ombudsman for a term of five years from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2009.

"Ms Tai has demonstrated her able leadership and strong commitment to the work of the Office of the Ombudsman in the past five years," the Constitutional Affairs Bureau said.

"Under her leadership, the Office of the Ombudsman has played an important role in ensuring the probity and efficiency of our public administration. The office has continued its mission to serve the people of Hong Kong by redressing grievances and addressing issues arising from maladministration in the public sector through impartial investigations and mediation, as appropriate."

Ms Tai is adept and experienced in public administration. She joined the Government as an Administrative Officer in 1974. Having served as the first Director of Intellectual Property in 1990, she was appointed as the Judiciary Administrator in 1994 to assist the Chief Justice in the administration of the Judiciary. The Chief Executive first appointed Ms Tai as the Ombudsman in 1999.

Under the Ombudsman Ordinance, a person appointed as the Ombudsman by the Chief Executive holds office for a period of five years and is eligible for reappointment.