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"However, the rule of law ultimately depends on the will of the courts, lawyers, government, and legislature, as well as the confidence of the community and the institutions.
"The confidence of the public should not be undermined by bold assertions and accusations based on no justifiable grounds," he said.
End/Wednesday, July 12, 1995
AG on vote of no confidence in the Governor of HK
Following is the speech by the Attorney General, the Hon Jeremy Mathews, 'in the Legislative Council motion debate today (Wednesday) on the vote of no confidence in the Governor of Hong Kong:
Mr President.
I would like to join with the Chief Secretary and register the Administration's strongest objections to this motion and the amendment. I wish particularly to associate myself with the Chief Secretary's remarks concerning the Governor. He has time and again set out for us a vision for the future in his Policy Addresses, in his many appearances before this Council and in many other public occasions, a vision in which the rule of law has been paramount. That vision and his leadership have been a source of inspiration to all.
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The original motion purports to be founded on some bare assertions put forward in the course of certain Honourable Members' speeches today assertions which remain wholly unsupported by any evidence. Such extravagant language by certain Honourable Members renders a grave disservice not just to this Council but to the people of Hong Kong and puts at risk the legitimate interests of future generations.
INTRODUCTION
Mr President, much has been said about the rule of law, but let us be clear what we are talking about: we are talking about fundamental principles that shape and underpin the fabric of our society. They are principles which this Government zealously promotes and enhances. Indeed, over the past three years our track record on the reinforcement and preservation of the rule of law has been beyond reproach.