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Following is the translation of the speech by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, at the Opening Ceremony of Disciplined Services Joint Exhibition to Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today (June 9):
Heads of Disciplined Services, distinguished guests, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to the Disciplined Services Joint Exhibition to Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). I am most delighted to attend the Opening Ceremony as an officiating guest together with the heads of all disciplined services.
It has been ten years since Hong Kong's reunification with the motherland. With the hard work of Hong Kong people and with the international community bearing witness, we have overcome numerous challenges. Under the protection of the Basic Law and with the full implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, our judicial, social and economic systems have continued to enjoy steady development. Now we live and work in peace and contentment, foreign investors feel confident of investing in Hong Kong, and visitors are willing to come and spend here. These can be attributed to our sound economic foundation, the new opportunities created by the supportive measures of the motherland and, very importantly, to the social stability and good public order we have maintained to ensure that people's lives and property are protected under the law. And we owe all these to the hardworking, brave and impartial members of our disciplined services.
Since the reunification on July 1, 1997, our disciplined services have continued to maintain a high degree of professionalism in discharging their duties, combating crime and upholding the rule of law to ensure that all are equal before the law. Their work has won public recognition, so much so that Hong Kong has been named as one of the safest cities in the world.
Over the past ten years, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) has done an excellent job, achieving a high crime detection rate. The close cooperation of the HKPF with Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies has put an effective curb on international organised crimes and cross-boundary crimes. During the WTO Ministerial Conference held in Hong Kong in 2005, the police performed exceptionally well in maintaining social order by dealing with the demonstrators in a restrained and flexible manner. Their remarkable performance has gained great acclaim all over the world.
For years, the Customs and Excise Department has striven to crack down on smuggling, piracy and copyright infringing activities, thus protecting intellectual property and consumers' rights and reinforcing Hong Kong's status as a commercial and logistics hub. As regards the Correctional Services Department (CSD), it has provided safe and secure custodial services, and has actively promoted and supported rehabilitation programmes. In collaboration with non-governmental organisations and professionals from various sectors, the CSD has also set up the Committee on Community Support for Rehabilitated Offenders to strengthen services for rehabilitating ex-offenders and helping them to re-integrate into the community.
Hong Kong, despite being a small place in the world, has been able to attract a pool of global talent, which helps boost cultural exchange between the East and the West. Besides, Hong Kong people can enjoy great travel convenience. The credit for all these goes to the Immigration Department (ImmD). To cope with the increasing inbound and outbound passenger traffic in recent years, the ImmD has introduced cutting-edge technology, such as the widely used e-Channels, smart identity cards and electronic passports, to promptly address the travelling needs of the community.
The Fire Services Department has also put in place advanced communication systems and equipment. Whenever there is a fire, traffic accident or other disaster, we can see well-trained firemen and ambulancemen displaying great courage in their rescue operations and giving all out to provide prompt assistance to those who are injured or in danger. Over the years, the Government Flying Service, Civil Aid Service and Auxiliary Medical Service have also been fully committed to serving the community. They always stand ready to respond to calls to provide emergency search and rescue services as well as casualty evacuation in support of various law enforcement agencies and government departments.
Just now I have outlined some of the contributions of the eight disciplined services. Today's Joint Exhibition serves as a platform for the general public to gain a better understanding of their work and remarkable achievements. In addition to watching marvellous performances and demonstrations by the services, including first aid, sea rescue with the aid of a helicopter and display of a variety of equipment, members of the public will have the chance to have face-to-face talks with disciplined services staff to share the bitter and sweet of their work.
The year of 2007 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, a memorable and meaningful occasion for the people of Hong Kong. It is also a good time for us to learn from past experience and map out the way forward. I know that Ian Ng, a 10-year old boy who has grown up with the HKSAR, is one of our invited performers. To me, Ian, like many other young people in Hong Kong, is energetic, bold and full of the necessary potential to attain great achievements. Young people are the future hope of the HKSAR. Hence, I would like to say a few words to them. Tomorrow's world is yours. You must uphold your conviction, equip yourselves, and display a sense of commitment and perseverance to work for a bright future. Our disciplined services are equally full of vigour. Building on what they have achieved, they will continue to work hard to maintain a stable and harmonious society and to develop along with the HKSAR.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to members of the organising committee from the disciplined services and all the working staff here for their efforts in enabling this Joint Exhibition to take place.
Thank you very much. I wish the Joint Exhibition every success.
Ends/Saturday, June 9, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:59
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