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.

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.