The "careless" handling of recent controversial cases by the Government would have been sufficient in other countries for its legal chief to resign, the Bar Association chairman said yesterday.

Ronny Tong SC, said the failure to prosecute publishing tycoon Sally Aw Sian and the application for the Court of Final Appeal to clarify its right of abode ruling had damaged faith in the Secretary for Justice.

"Her ratings with us have gone considerably down. But whether it is down to the level where we would call for her resignation is a matter of debate.

"In other civilised countries, for something like these mishaps, the attorney-general would have resigned of his own accord," said Mr Tong.

He added that he was not questioning the integrity of Elsie Leung Oi-sie and if she wanted to stay in the job "good luck to her". But he added: "The things she does very often give rise to concern."

His comments will add to the pressure on Miss Leung ahead of next week's "no confidence" motion in the Legislative Council.

A statement issued by the Bar Association yesterday accused the Government of failing to ensure that justice is being seen to be done with its handling of the recent cases.

It said: "The Government's continued defence of its position in these matters will only act to deepen people's distrust in the fairness of the system.

"Many of the Government's actions and decisions are part of the machinery of justice. The Bar wishes to call upon the Government not only to respect the principle of appearance of justice, but embrace it."

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