Regina Ip Defends CE Choosing Security Case Judges

New People's Party chairwoman Regina Ip has defended Beijing's reported move to have the Chief Executive appoint judges to handle national security cases in future, saying the executive branch already has a say in some areas of the judicial system.

Ip pointed out that the secretary for justice has the power to determine which level of courts handle specific trials.

She said not many judges have experience in dealing with cases related to national security, and she believes the Chief Executive will consult the secretary for justice, and possibly the chief justice, when appointing judges to cases in future.

"The appointment of the most senior judges in Hong Kong under the Basic Law is already for the Chief Executive to nominate, this is similar to arrangements in the US for example," Ip said.

The former security secretary also said Beijing's plan to appoint a consultant to a committee which will be set up in Hong Kong to safeguard national security is not interference.

Ip said it's understandable that the central government would appoint such an adviser, but she said most enforcement work on national security will be done by Hong Kong departments.

She said people don't have to worry too much that the consultant will end up being the person in charge of the committee, adding that their role will be primarily an advisory one, to provide guidance to the Chief Executive who will be the chairperson of this committee.

Meanwhile, Civic Party lawmaker Dennis Kwok said the idea that the Chief Executive could appoint judges to handle national security cases would damage the rule of law in Hong Kong.

“Under no circumstances would the Chief Executive decide on her own who should preside over a certain type of cases,” said Kwok, adding that such decisions are made on the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recruitment Commission and also by the Chief Justice.

“So the suggestion that the Chief Executive could on her own decide who to appoint and who to preside over certain cases go under against every principle under our system, which is based on the rule of law.”