Retirement of liberal judge raises fears for our core values

Leung Chun-ying was elected chief executive amid rising concern over the erosion of core values related to freedoms and the rule of law, as well as social cohesion. As a result, his popularity has taken a hit.

On the eve of the poll, some 220,000 Hongkongers took part in an unofficial vote. More than 120,000 people cast blank votes to show their discontent with pro-establishment candidates who have no mandate from the people. These voters were motivated by their strong desire to safeguard Hong Kong's core values. They are now genuinely concerned that a Leung administration would spell the end of an era when rights, freedoms and the rule of law are the cornerstone of society.

These worries coincide with news of the retirement of a liberal judge. The Court of Final Appeal permanent judge, Mr Justice Kemal Bokhary, who is known for his opposition to seeking Beijing's interpretation of the Basic Law and who is a strong defender of human rights, will become a non-permanent judge when he retires in October, when he reaches the age of 65. But, surprisingly, he will be replaced by an even older judge - Court of Appeal vice-president Robert Tang Ching. So, obviously, age is not the reason Bokhary has not been invited to stay on.

Many people in the legal circle believe Bokhary didn't have his term extended mainly because of his stance against the interpretation of the Basic Law.

The government owes the public an explanation. Bokhary has strongly defended human rights, freedoms and the rule of law during his tenure, and been involved in many influential cases that touched on these core principles.

By contrast, Tang, though highly respected and extremely capable, is far more conservative. Hence, it's inevitable that people would conclude that with Bokhary's retirement - in the wake of the retirement last year of chief justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang - the judiciary will become more conservative.