‘Someone I admire’: three letters of mitigation for convicted former Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang
Testimonies from former ministers including Wong Yan-lung, Carrie Lam and John Tsang offered ahead of his sentencing
Wong Yan-lung, justice secretary during Tsang’s tenure
re: Mr Tsang Yam-kuen, Donald
I have known Mr Donald Tsang (Donald) since 2005. As secretary for justice (SJ), I worked closely with Donald as chief executive (CE) between October 2005 and June 2012. In addition to official dealings, I consider Donald to be a good friend and someone I admire for his dedication to public service.
Donald’s over 40 years of services and contributions to Hong Kong is a matter of public record. Others will speak to his key role in helping Hong Kong weather through stormy financial crises. Here I would refer to his significant contributions to the public based on my own personal experience particularly in the area of the rule of law in Hong Kong.
During my seven-year tenure as SJ, I had on numerous occasions tendered legal advice to Donald as CE. He would sometimes debate with me and test the basis of the advice; but he has never acted against such legal advice. This in itself is a remarkable attribute as the head of the HKSAR.
Donald always said to me the governors he previously worked with, however headstrong, would always abide by the legal advice of the attorney general, and it is important that the CE of the HKSAR should stay that way.
Congo Case
