A spokesman for the Department of Justice (DoJ) said today (January 10) that regarding a traffic accident which occurred on August 4, 2013, involving the Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, the Secretary for Justice, in order to avoid any possible perception of bias or improper influence, after satisfying himself that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr Keith Yeung, SC, has no connection with any of the persons involved in the case, has delegated to the DPP the authority to handle the matter including (should it become necessary to do so) considering and deciding whether any prosecution action is warranted.

Having considered all relevant matters, the Secretary for Justice took the view that it is in the public interest to notify the community as soon as possible as to how the DoJ will handle this matter. The Secretary for Justice, as the head of the DoJ, will ensure that due and proper processes are observed in the conduct of the case and in strict accordance with the law and prosecution policy.

Ends/Friday, Jan 10, 2014