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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, issued the following statement on the resignation of the Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip, today (July 16):

On June 25, Mrs Regina Ip tendered her resignation as Secretary for Security on personal grounds. I tried to persuade her to stay on and suggested that she might take a long leave first to get some rest and sort out her personal matters before making up her mind. But regrettably I could not change her decision. After careful consideration, I have decided to respect her wish and accept her resignation. I have recommended to the Central People's Government the removal of Mrs Ip from the post of Secretary for Security, in accordance with Article 48(5) of the Basic Law.

During her service in the Government, Mrs Ip's performance has been most outstanding. With her exceptional abilities and great wisdom, she has resolved many thorny issues, and has earned the esteem of colleagues in the service.

Indeed, since I became the Chief Executive, I have worked with Mrs Ip closely and have been able to appreciate her immense abilities and enthusiasm to serve the Special Administrative Region. Her colleagues and I will miss her greatly. I wish her great success and happiness in the years to come.

End/Wednesday, July 16, 2003

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