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In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Chief Executive's Office made the following statement today (Saturday) regarding a radio broadcast by Legislative Councillor, Miss Margaret Ng, and an open letter to the Chief Executive :

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is fully committed to maintaining the rule of law in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong will continue to play a constructive role in the development of the nation.

Firstly, interpreting the Basic Law to resolve the right of abode issue has not damaged the rule of law or the common law system in Hong Kong. It was legal and constitutional to seek an interpretation from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to resolve the issue. This was entirely in accordance with the Basic Law.

The Government respects the right of final adjudication of the Court of Final Appeal. We are assessing the application of about 3,700 people who claimed the right of abode according to the Court of Final Appeal's decision of January 29, 1999.

The right of final adjudication by the Court of Final Appeal is distinct from the right of final interpretation of the Basic Law by the NPC Standing Committee. Both constitutional rights are protected by the Basic Law and have been respected throughout the process.

Interpretation of the Basic Law to resolve the right of abode issue received majority support in the Legislative Council. According to opinion polls, it also received wide public support.

The legal system is Hong Kong is firmly entrenched and protected by the Basic Law. In the two years since the transition, the Judiciary has continued to administer justice fairly and impartially.

Secondly, the HKSAR Government fully recognises that patriotic concern for the country goes beyond "economic success", and the assertion in Miss Ng's open letter is misplaced.

As the Chief Executive stated in his National Day speech yesterday, "In the last 50 years, particularly during the last 20 years of opening-up and reforms, our country has undergone enormous changes. In major cities in the Mainland such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Shenzhen, etc., momentous developments have been gathering pace. In areas such as agriculture, finance, commerce, infrastructural developments, education and scientific research, unprecedented progress has been made. The international stature of our country has been enhanced with rapid progress in economics, technology and national defence being achieved. After 50 years of sustained efforts, our country is moving towards a future of steady development, prosperity and peace."

The HKSAR will continue to work together with the Mainland to enhance development across a wide spectrum, so that we can master the opportunity to create a civilised and abundant society, and realise the ideals of a great nation.

End/Saturday, October 2, 1999

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