A former government lawyer is to lead Hong Kong’s equality watchdog for three years from next month.
Officials said on Tuesday that Linda Lam Mei-sau had been picked by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu to be the new chairwoman of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) with a three-year term.
They also thanked Ricky Chu Man-kin, who will stand down from the top role after five years in charge when Lam takes over on April 11.
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“Ms Lam has a wealth of experience in public service,” a government spokesman said. “She is highly capable and possesses proven leadership skills.
“We believe she will lead the EOC to make new and further contributions in its work in promoting equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination in [Hong Kong].”
He added: “The government also expressed gratitude to Mr Ricky Chu Man-kin, the incumbent chairman, for his invaluable contributions made over his five-year leadership at the EOC and wish to extend to Mr Chu warmest wishes for the future.”
He said Lam spent 20 years at the Department of Justice, where she was a law officer specialising in international work, before she retired.
“Ms Lam provided legal advice on the implementation of bilateral and multilateral international obligations, trade and investment law, and the management of consular corps and their privileges,” the spokesman said.
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An open recruitment exercise was carried out for the job and a selection board was formed to make recommendations to Lee.
Chu worked for the Independent Commission Against Corruption for 35 years and was the director of investigations before he retired.
He was also the head of the secretariat of the Independent Police Complaints Council for more than five years.
“Mr Chu has made great contributions by leading the EOC to effectively implement the four anti-discrimination ordinances, and proactively promoting the message of equal opportunities across society during his term of office,” the spokesman said.
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Chu, on behalf of the EOC, said he welcomed the government’s decision and added it had been an honour to lead the commission since 2019.
“With in-depth legal knowledge and solid experience, I am certain that Ms Lam will lead the EOC to continue moving forward, and keep striving for excellence, conducting investigation and conciliation of complaints in accordance with the anti-discrimination ordinances, and further motivating different sectors of the society to embrace the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion,” Chu said.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the EOC board members and staff for walking this journey with me over the past five years, as well as to the stakeholders, partners, and all those who have supported our work and contributed their valuable insights.”
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