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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, on the appointment of the Community Care Fund Steering Committee at a media stand-up today (November 11):
Chief Secretary for Administration: I am honoured to be appointed by the Chief Executive as Chairman of the Community Care Fund Steering Committee. I'm glad to have the opportunity to work with such an experienced and broad-based team for a common cause, which is a strong commitment to the community and to the underprivileged.
The Committee will convene its first meeting within this month. We hope to work out the details of the Fund as soon as possible and then seek funding approval from the Finance Committee thereafter.
I'd like to highlight two points. First, the Fund is set up to complement the existing social security system. We hope the experience gained from the operation of the Fund will help the Government decide which services should be properly undertaken by the system. So the Committee will carry out evidence-based review of our assistance cases and come up with recommendations on how to further improve our safety net.
Second, I'd like to thank the business community for their support of the Fund. They gave their support because they share the mission of the Fund in helping the underprivileged. There is no condition attached. The best way to give recognition to our contributors is through the hard work of the Steering Committee working independently in rendering timely assistance to those who are in need.
I welcome my fellow members on board and look forward to working closely with all of them. We aim to help the poor, which is the goal of the Fund, and win the recognition and support of the community. Thank you very much.
Reporter: (inaudible)
Chief Secretary for Administration: A number of businesses have already agreed to contribute to the Fund and their goal is the same as ours, to help those in need. So I am honoured to be appointed by the Chief Executive to chair this steering committee. It is a very important steering committee because there are many out in this community who are in need and are not covered by the current safety net. Therefore I am happy and honoured to do this mission.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, November 11, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:08
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