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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, made the following statement today (Thursday):

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fully committed to maintaining and protecting the rule of law in Hong Kong. The independent and impartial administration of the law is enshrined in the Basic Law. In the past 21 months, the Secretary for Justice has consistently devoted herself to this end. In dealing with all legal and constitutional issues, she has adhered closely to the Basic Law and the prosecution policy of the Department of Justice. The HKSAR Government and I continue to have full confidence in the Secretary for Justice.

The Government appreciates the support which many Members of the Legislative Council have extended to the Secretary for Justice in today's motion debate. Their support is a vote of confidence in the integrity of our legal system.

The HKSAR Government is committed to the fair and impartial administration of justice and will uphold the rule of law in Hong Kong. Our legal system is intact and offers protection to everyone within the jurisdiction.

END/Thursday, March 11, 1999

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