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The following is the transcript of the English version of a press conference given by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre early this (Monday) morning:

CE: I always had confidence in the people of Hong Kong that at important moments like this, we'd all get together, work

for Hong Kong's future. And this is one of those very historic moments.

We are indeed very pleased to see the enthusiastic response and the very successful conclusion of this election process for the first Legislature. Approximately 1.49 million people voted, representing 53 per cent of the registered voters. This is a tremendous turnout. This is a tremendous achievement.

Although today's (Sunday's) weather has been bad - it rained most of the day - in parts of the New Territories there was also flooding - but people all exercised their right to vote. And this demonstrates a very strong support from the public for this first Legislative Council election and also demonstrates Hong Kong people's determination and confidence in "one country, two systems" - Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy.

The election was held in accordance with the Basic Law and it is a very important first step in the evolution of our democratic institution. And I know that we will be moving forward in accordance with the Basic Law in furthering the democratic process as we move forward.

I promised that the election for the first Legislature would be held within 12 months of the establishment of the SAR. And this we have proudly done. It is, indeed, a very proud moment for us.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues standing next to me, for the tremendous amount of work they have put in; all the colleagues who are out there working many days, and certainly working through tonight into the morning, working on the election results. I would particularly like to thank Justice Woo for his work and the work of the members of the Electoral Affairs Commission. It is through their work (that) we have now a very fair and open election.

Later on today we will know precisely the 60 members of the first Legislature and the SAR Government will look forward to working with them closely to build a better future for Hong Kong. Thank you very much.

Question: Mr Tung, what do you think the message was from the public with this high turnout?

CE: I think we are all delighted with the high turnout and it demonstrates Hong Kong people's responsibility, exercising the right of the citizen to vote for the candidate they would like to represent them to attend the Legislature. It is an excellent beginning of a process which we are determined to move forward with.

Question: Your officials have commented on the importance of this Legislature in holding the Government to account. Precisely what do you mean by being accountable and would you welcome any amendment or rejection of government bills or policy by this elected Legislature as they're carrying out their legitimate elected function?

CE: The Legislature have a number of very important functions. One is to enact the laws and the other is to scrutinise and approve public expenditure. And the third is to monitor the function and the work of the executive branch of the Government. And we look forward to working with the new Legislature in every one of these aspects in the future. We are quite confident that we together will work well and build a very good future for Hong Kong.

End/Monday, May 25, 1998

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Photo: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, is visiting the Counting Centre at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre when a polling box is opened.