The Law Society has upheld professionalism after five “professional” council members were elected on Tuesday, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah said.
Speaking after a Legislative Council meeting, Cheng said she was happy with the society’s “respect for professionalism” and that she would look forward to future collaborations with the 12,000-strong solicitor body, especially on projects relating to China’s 14th five-year plan and the Greater Bay Area.
However, she refused to comment on whether the state media and government’s remarks before the elections had affected the results.
Last week, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor had warned the society not to let politics trump professionalism.
The five seats up for grabs were all won by the “professional” camp – Careen Wong Hau-yan, Jimmy Chan Kwok-ho, Ronald Sum Kwan-ngai, Tom Fu Ka-min and Justin Yuen Hoi-ying.
In the wake of her loss, “liberal” candidate Selma Masood posted on Facebook: “I shall endeavor to continue inspiring young female lawyers and focus on my work, defending the rule of law and female empowerment.”
Joining in congratulating the five was outgoing society president Melissa Kaye Pang, saying “the election mechanism is perfect, fair and impartial.”
She added: “I am not worried that the Law Society will face more constraints in the future after being criticized, as Hong Kong lawyers are fearless and will continue to speak on important issues. We were, we are and we will keep it that way.”
Wong, who was reelected, said on behalf of the “professional” camp that the five hope to play their part in a “politicized” community and maintain the public’s trust in the legal profession.
Sum added that they will keep the society independent and autonomous.
He also hopes the government will not reform the professional body.
The clean sweep by the “professional” candidates in the election will solidify the camp’s dominance in the society’s governing council as there are now 14 members from the “professional” camp and only six who are regarded as more “liberal.”
As Pang has to leave her position as president after holding it for three years, the new president will be elected among the council members. The results on Tuesday mean the “professional” camp will also dominate in the presidential race
Walking tall after their Law Society electoral sweep are, from left, Jimmy Chan, Careen Wong, Ton Fu, Justin Yuen and Ronald Sum.
