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Following is the transcript (English portion) of the media session given by the Financial Secretary, Mr Antony Leung, after attending the Forbes Global CEO Conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel this morning (September 25):
Reporter: I think you probably have seen the Asian Wall Street Journal this morning. Do you feel that the proposed Article 23 legislation will have any effect on investor confidence?
Financial Secretary: I hope that the international investors and the local community will recognise that one of Hong Kong's fundamental strengths is the rule of law. As far as the BL23 is concerned, the Basic Law requires that in Hong Kong we enact our own laws to protect, or to make sure that the country's interest is being protected. The Central Government has really left it to the SAR Government to do it. Since we have to enact the law, I think naturally it would help the investors' confidence if we put a certainty to it. I believe by proposing the framework that was released and allowing the public to comment on it, I am sure eventually they will come up with a piece of legislation that will take into account the interests of various parties. And once it is enacted into law, it will eliminate uncertainties. For the rule of law, one aspect that is very important is clarity and certainty.
I would also like to add that besides the need to have the local laws, I hope that investors and local community can recognise that what is being proposed would allow all the existing rights of the citizens as well as their present lifestyle to continue. Nothing would change. So, I hope people can recognise that. But, I do encourage our citizens to speak up and give the government advice on how to go forward as far as BL 23 is concerned.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
End/Wednesday, September 25, 2002
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Webcast
of seminar on 2002 Forbes Global CEO Conference Floor/
Putonghua/
English
