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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a media session at the Central Government Offices today (August 3):
Reporter: (inaudible)
Chief Executive: As you know I have now started my consultation exercise and for the last two days up to today I have met four groups already. And I will continue to meet other groups. I will make sure that although it's my last policy address, I will do whatever I can to deal with any residual matters which members of the public and various organisations and political bodies believe that I should try my very best to resolve before I leave. As you know I have been concentrating on three major topics. Housing of course is one, the wealth gap between the poor and the rich, and finally all the problems we are facing because of the ageing society. So these are the three main issues. I have met four groups already and there are a few commonalities in what they tell me. First of all they want me to make sure that it is not a stopgap, short-term policy address. They want it to be considered as part of a continuum. We must be able to look at the longer-term issues as well as the short-term issues. They also reminded me that the global economic situation is rather unstable and whatever we do, we must ensure employment and stable economic performance in Hong Kong. So these are the things which I gather, which I find very stimulating, and some of them very inspiring. And what I'll try to do is that after I've listened to a few groups' views I come back and account these things to you as well as to make sure you get updates from time to time.
Reporter: Given that you have less than a year to go in your administration, can you really give some kind of affirmation to these people......
Chief Executive: Well, we all know that I cannot do everything. But I will do whatever I believe is important and I will do whatever I can in all my remaining days and hours. There are main issues which are clearly identified by the community, like housing, the wealth gap and the pressure of inflation. These things we'll have to deal with. But I'm sure that all I'm going to do is to provide a continuing improvement of the standard of living in Hong Kong. My term of office will do its very best. I'm sure it will be done by my successor as well.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:11
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