Bar to stay away from politics, says new head

The Bar Association will "actively participate" in consultation of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation but will stay away from political issues, says newly elected chairman Victor Dawes.

Senior counsel Dawes, 44, who ran uncontested, said the association is a professional organization to which political issues are "unrelated."

He added: "The association has the social responsibility to voice out on issues related to the rule of law, but [not] politics. Rule of law is not a political concept. The association shall also not speak out or handle political issues."

As the government has already hinted at plans to enact Article 23, Dawes added: "The association will be hoping to provide our opinion ... regarding the legislation of Basic Law Article 23.

"We will absolutely put our utmost effort to participate in [the consultation] as we also think this is in line with public interests."

He disagreed with some opinions that "the rule of law is dead."

Dawes added: "One must appreciate that the rule of law is of course important and precious, but in a way it is also fragile everywhere in the world, and we should all work very hard to preserve it because this is what gives Hong Kong its edge."

Also elected uncontested were senior counsels Derek Chan Ching-lung, 42, and Jose-Antonio Maurellet, 43, as vice chairmen.

Speaking after the meeting, barrister and former lawmaker Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee said that the election results showed that no matter how hard the situation is, someone from within the ranks will step forward to retain the public's faith in the association.

Ng said she "extremely respects" Dawes, adding she believes the association will continue safeguarding the rule of law and hopes the public will keep on trusting it.

Former chairman Philip Dykes said he agrees the association should maintain a good relationship with the government, but it should also care about human rights, and so hopes the new chairman will "not compromise" in matters of principle.

Dawes, who specializes in commercial litigation and arbitration, was appointed a deputy High Court judge in 2017.

Dawes has also represented the government on multiple occasions.

He once represented the police commissioner in a judicial review at the High Court on whether riot police officers not showing their identification number is against human rights.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com