HK is executive-led, without separation of powers: Maria Tam

Maria Tam Wai-chu, deputy director of the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee said today that Hong Kong has always been executive-led, with no separation of powers.

Speaking on a legal summit celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Basic Law, she said some legal profession in the city stressing Hong Kong having a separation of powers was interpreted out of context.

“The independence of the judiciary simply means the courts are free from any interference, which the executive authorities respect the courts of Hong Kong exercising its judicial power independently,” she added, saying Hong Kong has no judicial supremacy.

Elsie Leung Oi-sie, former deputy director of Hong Kong Basic Law Committee also said according to the design of the Basic Law, the political structure implemented in the HKSAR is basically an executive-led system headed by the Chief Executive.