Mr Justice Ma has been appointed Chief Judge of the High Court, taking over the role from Mr Justice Leong.

The Chief Executive has also accepted the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission's suggestion to appoint the Lord Woolf of Barnes, the Lord Scott of Foscote and Sir Ivor Richardson as non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions to the Court of Final Appeal.

Chief Justice Andrew Li said the Government will seek Legislative Council endorsement of the appointments.

Mr Li praised Mr Justice Leong's work.

"Throughout his career, Mr Justice Leong has served the Judiciary with dedication and effectiveness. He has also made an important contribution in the field of the rehabilitation of offenders," Mr Li said.