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In response to media enquiries about the reply from the President of the Legislative Council (LegCo) regarding the LegCo meeting on February 25, 2009, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, made the following remarks today (February 27):
"At the meeting on February 25, 2009, a few LegCo Members behaved in a grossly disorderly manner inside the Chamber and disrupted the delivery of the Budget speech by the Financial Secretary. I have written to the President of LegCo, expressing the Government's deep regret and grave concern over the severe negative impact of such behaviour on the relationship between LegCo and the Administration.
We note that most of the LegCo Members have condemned the behaviour or described it as regrettable. Some political parties have suggested discussing the incident at the LegCo Committee on Rules of Procedure.
We note that public opinion was generally of the view that such behaviour should not be condoned. Some members of the public have already lodged complaints with LegCo.
We also note the LegCo President's view that such behaviour is not the accepted norm of LegCo, that he is taking a serious view of the matter and shall consult the Chairman of the House Committee on whether and when the Committee should be invited to consider if the current Rules of Procedure ought to be amended.
We are closely monitoring developments in this matter. We hope LegCo will adopt immediate, decisive and effective measures to ensure that Government officials attending LegCo meetings will not be subject to unruly behaviour.
The Administration will continue to engage LegCo with respect and professionalism. We will endeavour to work closely with LegCo to serve the public."
Ends/Friday, February 27, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:59
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