Chief Executive Donald Tsang has accepted the early retirement application of Chief Justice Andrew Li. He will start pre-retirement leave September 1 next year.

Mr Li today said his early retirement is in the best interest of the Judiciary, adding the move will be conducive to orderly succession planning for the coming years.

"The four judges in the Court of Final Appeal, including myself, will all reach normal retirement age between October 2012 and March 2014. Further, between 2011 and 2014, there will be quite a number of judges retiring at normal retiring age in High Court.

"I believe it is more appropriate for the new Chief Justice to deal with succession planning in relation to these appointments, rather than the Chief Justice who will be retiring at the same time.

"By August 31, 2010, I would have completed 13 years' service as Chief Justice and I consider it is appropriate for there to be a change in the leadership of the Judiciary after such a period. Taking early retirement is also consistent with my personal wishes. I will have worked for over 37 years by August 2010," he said.

City of justice: Chief Executive Donald Tsang says Chief Justice Andrew Li has made an invaluable contribution to the successful operation of the city's legal system. Mr Li says his early retirement is in the best interest of the Judiciary.

Great honour

He considers it the greatest honour for him to serve as the first Chief Justice of Hong Kong in the new constitutional order as part of China under the principle of 'One country, two systems'.

Noting Mr Tsang's Government respects judicial independence, Mr Li thanked it for its support of the Judiciary's administration and operation.

Mr Tsang said he had tried hard to convince Mr Li to stay but was not successful. Respecting the Chief Justice's decision, Mr Tsang praised Mr Li for his invaluable contribution to the successful operation of the city's legal system and the implementation of the rule of law as prescribed by the Basic Law.

Noting Mr Li has been instrumental in perfecting the city's judiciary by enhancing its professionalism, transparency and service efficiency, Mr Tsang wished him a long and happy retirement.

Successor selection

"I have asked the Judiciary to activate the procedures to fill the vacancy of the Chief Justice in accordance with the Basic Law and other legal provisions. I trust Chief Justice Li will work closely with the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission in the next few months to prepare for the selection of his successor," Mr Tsang said.

Secretary for Justice Wong Yan Lung said Mr Li has made a monumental contribution in the successful implementation of the 'One country, two systems' principle.

"Chief Justice Li was instrumental in the firm establishment of the Court of Final Appeal, which is now acknowledged to be one of the models exemplifying the highest standard of judicial independence and professionalism in the common law world.

"The Judiciary is a cornerstone of the rule of law in Hong Kong and Chief Justice Li stands at its summit with distinguished achievement and dedicated service. We in the Department of the Justice join the community to sincerely salute him with deep gratitude."

Mr Li became the first Chief Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 1, 1997. He will be 61 and will have served in the position for 13 years when he leaves office.