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Following is the opening statement by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, at a media session today (Tuesday):

I want to thank the Chief Executive for inviting me to stay on as Chief Secretary until 30 June 2002 to fit in with his term of office.

Although earlier in the year, I did in fact discuss with the Chief Executive my intention of retiring according to the normal rules, because as a bureaucrat, I believe that the rules apply to me equally as to all other junior officers. But Mr Tung is a very persuasive Chief Executive, and he has persuaded me to stay on.

I feel that the Chief Executive and I both have a great commitment to the people of Hong Kong and to the Special Administrative Region. And if Mr Tung feels that my continued presence would assist him in his work, then I am delighted to accept his invitation to stay on.

I hope also to continue to earn the respect and support of the people of Hong Kong and the Civil Service. Thank you.

End/Tuesday, March 23, 1999

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