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Following is a transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a media session before Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association Salute 75 Years of Children's Development in Hong Kong today (July 4):
The Government always respects people's rights to take part in processions. They have freedom of expression. The administration attaches great importance to the views people expressed on public policies . The public is our partner in governance. My colleagues and I will continue to listen conscientiously and with humility. We shall address in a practical way issues that they have raised, including housing, Mainland pregnant women using Hong Kong medical facilities and other issues.
A majority of Hong Kong people participating in the July 1 procession were peaceful, rational and orderly. However, some demonstrators acted in disregard of others' safety and the law, causing disruption to public order. This is not acceptable to the community at large. Hong Kong is a law-abiding society. We condemn any such unlawful behaviour.
When handling such radical elements and their unlawful behaviour last Friday, our Police have exercised a high level of restraint. Their professionalism deserves our full support .
As regards the replacement mechanism for LegCo vacancies, our objective in policy is very clear. We must address the wide public concern and plug the loopholes in our law that permit abuse of our by-election procedure. Large sums of public money are involved too. I am pleased that the Chief Secretary has reached a consensus with legislators from different political parties today on the processing of the Amendment Bill. We shall consult the community in the next two months on the basis of the existing bill. We shall resume and finish the legislative work after the summer recess, within the current LegCo term.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, July 4, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:50
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