The Advisory Committee on Post-office Employment for Former Chief Executives & Politically Appointed Officials is satisfied with legal advice that former Chief Secretary Rafael Hui's case fell beyond the code for officials under the Political Appointment System.

The committee met today to discuss recent media reports on Mr Hui's involvement in a firm called R H & Lang Ltd, his declaration of 50% shares in it, and concerns on whether Mr Hui should have sought the committee's advice before forming the firm.

The committee noted Mr Hui has stressed the firm had no plan to engage in any activity and he would have sought prior permission if the firm had intended to become active in making investments before July 1 this year.

After reconsidering the circumstances, the committee is satisfied with the legal advice that forming a firm with no intention of becoming active within the one-year prescribed period does not fall within the remit of the Political Appointment System Code for Officials.

It requires former politically appointed officials to seek the committee's advice within one year after stepping down from office before starting any job/business/profession or becoming a director/partner in any business/profession.

Committee chairman Mr Justice Pang said if in doubt, the onus is on the former official to seek the committee's advice.