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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Provisional Legislative Council End-of-term Dinner today (Wednesday):

Dear President and Councillors,

The preparation for the election of the first Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is well under way. The Provisional Legislative Council will soon accomplish its glorious and sacred mission in the history of Hong Kong. In the long history of Hong Kong, we are most fortunate to be entrusted with an important task at a historic moment when we reunify with our motherland and the new era of Hong Kong unfolds. The enthusiasm, dedication, wisdom and commitment you have shown in the successful transition of Hong Kong and the smooth operation of the new Administration will go down in history forever.

In the current legislative session, which is about to be adjourned, the SAR Government and the PLC have faithfully performed their respective responsibilities and rendered valuable services to Hong Kong people in strict accordance with the Basic Law. Since the PLC was set up, PLC members have scrutinised and subsequently passed 63 bills, and considered 104 requests for provisions. They have also raised 529 written and oral questions with the Administration and moved 57 motion debates. They have well performed their duties in the scrutiny of bills, control of public expenditure as well as the monitoring of the implementation of government policies. The officials of the SAR Government and PLC members discharged their duties fully in the submission of and debate over bills before they were being passed. They have tried their utmost to work for the well-being of Hong Kong people and a brighter future of Hong Kong.

What I would like to mention in particular is that the PLC was set up by the Preparatory Committee for the HKSAR under special circumstances in the transition of Hong Kong with the power delegated by the National People's Congress. The setting up and operation of the PLC have exceptional historic significance. Upon being selected as PLC members, you set out with the painstaking groundwork of the PLC and the work of law enactment for the HKSAR under trying circumstances and tremendous pressure. Yet, you always put the basic interests of our country and Hong Kong as well as those of Hong Kong people in the first place. You have not only accepted the historical challenge and mission courageously, but also accomplished the task entrusted to you by history with outstanding achievement. I am pleased to note that you have played a crucial role in maintaining the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

On behalf of the SAR Government, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to you all for your hard work and contribution towards the successful transition of Hong Kong and the smooth operation of the SAR Government. I wish you every success in the future!

Thank you.

End/Wednesday, April 8, 1998

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