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Following is the transcript of a media session given by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joseph W P Wong, today (July 17) on the resignation of Financial Secretary, Mr Antony Leung, and Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip:

Reporter: Mr Wong, can you respond to the resignation of Mr Leung and Mrs Ip? Do you think this has any effect on the morale of the civil service even though they are not civil servants?

Secretary: I have known and worked with Regina (Mrs Regina Ip) for many many years and I always respect her for her dedication to work, for her excellent ability and for her stamina. I am very sorry to see her leave. I, of course, respect her decision, which is according to her entirely based on personal reasons. I believe throughout these years, including her posting as Secretary for Security, she has made valuable contributions in her work and I wish her well in all her future endeavours.

Reporter: Will there be any effect on the civil service?

Secretary: I don't think so. I think our civil service remains a very dedicated and a very efficient civil service. Changes in the political layer of the government should not affect the morale of the civil service and I hope you will recall recent incidents such as combating SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), such as the tragic accident in Tuen Mun. All these incidents demonstrate that we have a high quality and efficient civil service which is able to serve the community diligently and effectively in times of crisis. I should also add, of course, I am also very sorry to see the departure of Mr Leung (Mr Antony Leung). I have known him for quite some time. I believe his heart is in serving Hong Kong. I wish him well in his future endeavours.

(Please also refer to the Chinese transcript)

End/Thursday, July 17, 2003

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