South China Morning Post (SCMP) publisher Tammy Tam has been appointed by Chief Executive John Lee to the Law Reform Commission (LRC).

The veteran journalist, previously the SCMP’s editor-in-chief, will succeed May Chan – chair of the Journalism Education Foundation – as a member on March 1, according to a government press release issued on Friday.

Tam will be tasked with promoting the commission’s work.

Meanwhile, Alexander Loke, professor of the School of Law at the City University of Hong Kong, will be reappointed to the independent advisory body.

Created in 1980, the LRC works closely with government bureaus to conduct research and publish reports with recommendations for changing local law. The secretary for justice or the chief justice can refer issues to the commission to study, with government departments obliged to respond to their suggestions.

“The LRC believes that Ms Tam’s rich experience in journalism will certainly assist the LRC in expanding its reach in the community,” the press release said.

The commission is chaired by the justice secretary and supported by a Department for Justice secretariat.

Tam also chairs the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong.

The SCMP’s Code of Ethics states journalists should be politically neutral, avoid any conflicts, and resist political interests. HKFP has reached out to the SCMP and Tam for comment.