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Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose SK Lee, on yesterday's arson incident on the MTR. He was speaking at the lobby of the Central Government Offices this morning (January 6):

Secretary for Security: We are very concerned about the arson incident yesterday. We want to condemn this kind of irresponsible act and luckily we didn't have any major casualty yesterday. We are also glad to see the quick response by the MTR staff in handling the case. But I want to reiterate that the MTR system is still very, very safe and Hong Kong remains a secure and safe city in the world.

Reporter: Do you know what the motivation was?

Secretary for Security: The case is still under investigation. The Police are investigating the case.

Reporter: Any more steps to be taken to make the MTR any more safer, and any steps that people should take ...?

Secretary for Security: I think the MTR will step up their publicity, educating the public not to carry this kind of material onto the train. I also want to call upon the community in Hong Kong that they should not bring any dangerous materials onto the MTR train.

Reporter: This attack reminds us of ... what happened in the subway in Japan. Is Hong Kong prepared for that ...?

Secretary for Security: We are prepared for any eventuality I must say. Thank you.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Tuesday, January 6, 2004

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