Force pledges to uphold Rule of Law
All those involved in the law must uphold the Rule of Law to protect individual rights and liberties, Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma Tao-li said on May 14 when he inspected a passing-out parade at Police College.
Chief
Justice Ma inspecting the smart turnout
He pointed out that the essence of the Rule of Law was that everyone was equal before it, whether the Government, judges, ordinary people and the Police.
"There are certain characteristics of the Rule of Law, namely the existence of just laws that protect individual rights and liberties and an independent Judiciary. Individual rights and liberties are to be protected by all of us. This is required and protected under the Basic Law.
"This is also required under the oath of office taken by police officers. In this oath, you have pledged to uphold and maintain the laws of Hong Kong, and that you will discharge your duties without fear or favour to any person.
"In other words, you have sworn to uphold the Rule of Law in Hong Kong and to protect the rights and liberties of the individuals," the Chief Justice told the officers on parade.
He noted that under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, the Force had earned the respect and confidence of the community, adding that Hong Kong people had very high expectations and demands of police officers and this was as it ought to be.
On parade were 40 probationary inspectors and 206 recruit police constables.
Reminding
the
graduates of the essence of the Rule of Law
Inspector
Cheung
Ka-wing (right), winner of the Brian Slevin Trophy and the Baton
of Honour, and Police Constable Chan Tak-ming, winner of the Shave Cup