No one, including the elected Government of the day, or any public official, is above the law, says Attorney-General Graham Leung.
While delivering his maiden speech in Parliament during the Budget Debate yesterday, he said the “rule of law does not mean rule by law”.
“The recent conviction of a former president in one of the most powerful countries in the world for falsifying business records, is an important reminder that be you ever so high, the law is above you,” Mr Leung said.
“It is a lesson we in this country would do well to bear in mind. The rule of law is the foundation of our system of Government.
“There is not one set of laws for the powerful and another for the powerless; one for the rich, and one for the poor; depending upon one’s race or ethnicity or religion.
“The rule of law ensures that executive power is not exercised arbitrarily.”
He said the rule of law would promote a peaceful country and build more effective and accountable institutions at all levels.
“The Attorney-General, as guardian of the rule of law, is tasked with upholding the public interest. It is my intention to discharge my constitutional duty apolitically. I am not a politician. First and foremost, I am a lawyer.
“Through the Solicitor-General, my responsibility extends to broad oversight of civil litigation, by or against the State.
“The State is supposed to be the model litigant. Put simply, it means that government lawyers must first obey the law and abide by the ethical obligations which apply to all legal practitioners.
“They must act fairly at all times, with complete propriety, and in accordance with the highest professional standards.”
Mr Leung said it was his duty to promote respect for the law in all government affairs.
“Under our system of law, as a member of the Cabinet, I am collectively responsible and accountable to Parliament.”
