************************************************************
Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, SC, after the "No Drugs No Regrets" Pledge Ceremony today (June 21).
Reporter: Some of the 39 rehabilitation centres need to be relocated. Any other similar incidents like the Zheng Sheng Mui Wo case that would occur? Do you actually think that there is any sort of discrimination shown by the Mui Wo residents?
Secretary for Justice: As I have mentioned in my speech, the 39 agencies of course are in the process of updating and improving their service. There are various needs. Some are in need of relocation and the Government will try its best to assist them. There is a need to liaise with the local people. We will do our best to do that. I don't think that there is any discrimination as such. As I have also said, arising from this incident involving Zheng Sheng, the concerns raised by the local residents in Mui Wo need to be addressed. But at the same time, I also urge everyone to take on an attitude of acceptance. Let’s be partners in helping our young people who have been involved in drugs to have a new life.
Reporter: There are lots of criticisms about the mishandling of the Zheng Sheng case – that the Government has not done enough at the early stage. In which ways has the Government not done its best?
Secretary for Justice: I can say that in relation to this matter, my colleagues have tried their best to facilitate the communication, to remove any concern on the part of the local residents and to create opportunities for both sides to discuss. Of course there is always room for improvement. As I said, we are in principle in support of Zheng Sheng and also other bodies who are pursuing the same object to assist our young people who have been involved in this problem. There is always room to do more. It’s not just on the part of the government alone. It is also on the part of the entire community. I appeal to every one of you here to help in this battle, in this campaign to help our young people.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Sunday, June 21, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:18
NNNN
