060106en08006

	news.gov.hk
	From Hong Kong's Information Services Department

January 6, 2006

Appointments

Two Court of Final Appeal judges named

Chief Executive Donald Tsang has accepted the recommendation that Michael McHugh and Justice Thomas Munro Gault be appointed as non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions to the Court of Final Appeal.

Subject to the Legislative Council's endorsement, the appointment will be made under Basic Law Article 88.

Mr Tsang said he was pleased to accept the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission's recommendation.

"The two judges have eminent standing and reputation and their appointment will be a great asset to the Court of Final Appeal," he said.

Basic Law Article 90 provides that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council on the appointment of the judges of the Court of Final Appeal and the Chief Judge of the High Court.

The Chief Secretary for Administration will seek lawmakers' endorsement of the recommended appointment.