Justice Geoffrey Ma will succeed Andrew Li as Chief Justice from September 1. Chief Executive Donald Tsang announced the appointment today, based on the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission's advice.

He described Justice Ma as an outstanding lawyer with exceptional judicial, professional and personal qualities, a man of high integrity commanding strong respect within and outside the Judiciary, including the legal profession. Having served with distinction as High Court Chief Judge for nearly seven years, Justice Ma also has proven administrative and leadership qualities, Mr Tsang added.

"An independent Judiciary has been and will remain a cornerstone of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. The people of Hong Kong have high expectations of the Judiciary in upholding the rule of law, ensuring the fair and efficient administration of justice and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the individual. I am confident Justice Ma will discharge his duties as head of the Judiciary with distinction," he said.

Mr Li said Justice Ma will be an outstanding Chief Justice, will uphold the rule of law and protect judicial independence, and that under his leadership, the Judiciary will continue to safeguard the people's rights and freedoms.

Justice Ma noted the community's high expectations of the Judiciary, and pledged to do his utmost to ensure the rule of law and judicial independence are maintained and people's rights and freedoms are safeguarded.

More appointments

Meanwhile, Justices Robert Tang, Frank Stock and Michael Hartmann have been appointed non-permanent Hong Kong judges to the Court of Final Appeal.

Mr Tsang hailed them as outstanding lawyers with considerable experience in handling criminal and civil cases, including constitutional ones. Their appointments will increase the number of non-permanent Hong Kong judges from three to six and will provide much-needed deployment flexibility in dealing with the Court of Final Appeal's caseload, he said.

The Government will seek the Legislative Council's endorsement of the recommended appointments.

Click here for Justice Ma's biography, and here for the biographies of the other three judges.