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Following is the statement given by the Financial Secretary, Mr Antony Leung, on his purchase of a new car at the Central Government Offices (West Wing) this evening (March 15):
"I have today received a letter from the Chief Executive concerning my recent purchase of a new car. I understand that the letter has been released to the general public this afternoon.
I fully accept the formal criticism from the Chief Executive. I fully accept his conclusion that what I have done amounts to gross negligence and have clearly breached parts of the Code for Principal Officials under the Accountability System. My behavior is highly inappropriate as a Principal Official.
I would like to make my most sincere apology to the general public.
I would like to reiterate that I had no intention to evade the tax liability and that the mistake is an oversight.
I have offered to resign on 10 March. The Chief Executive has come to the conclusion that my mistake warrants a formal criticism from him but not my resignation. At the request of the Chief Executive, I have withdrawn my offer to resign. The Chief Executive has instructed me to do my best to assist him in facilitating the successful restructuring of our economy and to work for the public good. I shall do so with my utmost dedication and sincerity.
I will give a detailed account of the incident on Monday when I attend the Constitutional Affairs Panel of the Legislative Council."
End/Saturday, March 15, 2003
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