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Following is the full text of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at a spring reception hosted by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr David Lan today (Tuesday):

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for my wife and I to join you here today. First of all, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best in the Year of the Rabbit.

As we all know, rabbit symbolises vitality, flexibility and agility. All these qualities are indeed some of the attributes of the success of Hong Kong. With them, I am confident that we can overcome all the difficulties that confront us and create a more prosperous future.

To fulfil the Government's policy objectives in community development, we have put forward the slogan "Hong Kong is our Home". The success of this programme requires the full participation of the local community. I know that the honourable guests with us today are all fully committed to serving the community and fostering greater participation in community activities. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you all. Let us continue to work with concerted efforts for a brighter future as we march into the 21st century.

End/Tuesday, February 23, 1999

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