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The following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Luncheon Presentation of Hong Kong News Awards 2001 by The Newspaper Society of Hong Kong today ( March 21):
Chairman, Friends of the Media, Ladies & Gentlemen,
I am delighted to have the opportunity once again to attend the presentation ceremony of the "Hong Kong News Awards". Let me first extend my heartiest congratulations to all award winners. Over the years, "Hong Kong News Awards" have provided an excellent opportunity for acknowledging the achievements of media professionals and have contributed to raising the standards of news writing and photography. All of you have worked very hard to gain recognition from fellow professionals and your readers. I, for one, appreciate very much your on-going quest for excellence.
When I announced my intention to stand for re-election last year, I undertook that, if I were successful, I would reform the Government structure, improve our governance and ensure that our policies would move with the times. My undertaking to Hong Kong is that the concerns and priorities of Hong Kong people would be the Government's concerns and priorities.
In order to be able to direct the Government effectively, one of our most important tasks is to follow and understand public sentiments. In my new term, I will ensure that we strengthen communication with the community and with different sectors. To this end, the media plays a crucial role.
The media is, in fact, a most important bridge between the Government and the community. Through you, we impart our messages and explain the rationale behind policies adopted. More importantly, you reflect to us the views of the people and help us feel the pulse of the community. Through you, we hear the people's voices and their concerns, so that we know what the community needs.
Hereafter, we will be even more proactive, and walk the extra mile in communicating with the media and in presenting our perspective. We certainly hope that the media can help strengthen interaction, reinforce mutual trust and facilitate mutual encouragement between the Government and the people. This will contribute to building solidarity with the community.
I know that those who have chosen to pursue a career in journalism have a great sense of mission and are people of conviction and ideals. I have every confidence that you will continue to raise your professional standards, be accurate and objective in your reporting and fair and veracious in your commentaries, so that you will live up to the immense responsibility which you have assumed on behalf of the community.
Thank you.
End/Thursday, March 21, 2002
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