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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, SC, on the Proposed Resolution under the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance at the Legislative Council today (October 17) (English translation):
Madam President,
I rise to move the motion, which is standing in my name on the Agenda, to amend the Official Languages (Alteration of Text under Section 4D)(Miscellaneous) Order 2007. The Order was laid before this Council on July 4, 2007.
The Order was made under section 4D of the Official Languages Ordinance (Cap. 5). It makes formal alterations to the Chinese text of certain items of legislation in order to standardise the Chinese equivalents for various English words, expressions and phrases, including the words "advocate" and "advocacy".
A Subcommittee was formed to study the Order. The Subcommittee agreed at its meeting on July 26 that the relevant bodies in the legal field should be consulted before deciding on the choice of Chinese equivalents for "advocate" and "advocacy". We have invited the relevant bodies in the legal field and members of the public to offer their views. The consultation exercise is now in progress.
Under the commencement clause of the Order, the Order is to come into operation on November 26, 2007. To allow sufficient time for consultation and in order not to delay the coming into operation of other amendments, the Subcommittee agreed that Part 2 of the Order, which deals with amendments relating to the Chinese equivalents for "advocate" and "advocacy", be repealed.
The motion will give effect to the decision of the Subcommittee. I hope Members would support the motion.
Thank you, Madam President.
Ends/Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:50
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