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The following is the transcript (English portion) of the media conference by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, after his delivery of the Policy Address to the Legislative Council today (October 11):
Mr Tung: Ladies and gentlemen, I was in front of the Legislative Council and I read my fourth Policy Speech. The main topics of the Policy Speech are about education, about alleviating poverty and about governance. I'll be delighted to answer any questions you might have.
Reporter: Just to follow up on the issue of political reform. In the Policy Objectives book, they talk about the Chief Executive Election Bill be proposed next year. You didn't talk anything at all about the 2002 election in your speech, could you explain why?
Mr Tung: It's not the subject of the Policy Speech. A bill will be proposed to the legislature which covers the 2002 Chief Executive election and that's that. The process and details of which of course will be reviewed by that particular bill, but the structure of it, I think all of us know very well, because it's part of the Basic Law that's already outlined.
Reporter: Would you agree with one of your critics' saying that you are discouraging what you call the hostility in the society, that is seen as discouraging discussions in the society. Of course, you will say that it is not quite the case but that has come out to have that effect. What would you say to that?
Mr Tung: You said that yourself. You know, discussions, constructive criticisms is a very essential part of a progressive society and they should all be welcomed. I for one, you know, listen to all sorts of criticisms very, very carefully and that's not the issue. I was reflecting the views of the community at large that there is concern that there seems to be so many wasteful arguments about different things and that we would have been so much better if we can devote our energy to more constructive discussions or criticisms, et cetera. This is the point I was making and I think this is a point which a lot of members of our community would understand and support.
Reporter: You mentioned accountability of principal officials but you wouldn't talk about ministerial system. Will you still have to go to Beijing and seek approval before appointing these principal officials in the future?
Mr Tung: All appointments of principal officials are: I will nominate the names and it will be subject to the approval of the Central Government. Today is like this, tomorrow is the same. This is part of the Basic Law. All we will do, all that we are going to do, whatever we are going to do, must be in accordance with the Basic Law.
Reporter: If they opt out, would you let them come off the system?
Mr Tung: Who opt out?
Reporter: Existing principal officials who will not want to participate in your new accountability system.
Mr Tung: I think all these are early days yet, we need to look at all these things carefully, but as an initial response I would say that sure, if there are principal officials who wish to opt out, that's fine.
Reporter: Public support level is at an all time low, and partly because of the job situation here, but partly also because of the controversy that has ... administration. People say they have lost trust in the Government. One recent controversy included charges against your government that the government intervened, interfered with academic freedom in order to suppress polls that show unfavourable ratings for you. How do you respond to these charges, and how do you respond to the fact that people are saying they can't trust the government?
Mr Tung: You know Hong Kong is a wonderful society, that everybody can say anything they want, fully reported in the press. And that's also the strength of the community. As far as I am concerned, I am very focused on doing what's needed for Hong Kong, what's good for Hong Kong. Yes, we will pay attention to the polls when they relate to policy issues, we want to see what citizens are thinking about policy issues, and how well we can implement these policies and et cetera. But if it relates to my personal popularity, it is not my concern. I will not allow personal popularity affects my work, or the way I move forward with regards to implementation or development of policies.
Reporter: I just want to ask about this comprehensive system of public accountability that you mentioned in the Policy Address. Could you explain in English what sort of a comprehensive system of public accountability are you contemplating to establish in the SAR, if it is not the kind of ministerial system that we can find in Westminster?
Mr Tung: Well, you raise this Westminster's ministerial system. Let me tell you that in our Basic Law, a Legislative Council member can not become a principal official. So , from that point of view, we will not be adopting a Westminster system. What we are doing this time is to enhance the accountability of principal officials. It is a very complicated issue and we are moving ahead with a study to make sure that even when we do come out with a system, an accountability system, it will suit Hong Kong's particular environment and also respond to the voices of the community.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion)
Photo : The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at a press conference after delivering his Policy Address at the Legislative Council.
End/Wednesday, October 11, 2000
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