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Following is a transcript of remarks (English portion) by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, at a media session on the judicial review in relation to foreign domestic helpers' right of abode in Hong Kong at the ground floor lobby, West Wing, Central Government Offices, Central, this afternoon (September 30):
Reporter: How do you think the appeal will actually safeguard the public interest?
Secretary for Security: As I mentioned in my opening remarks, the present issue touches on a very important constitutional and public importance, so we have to seek a final determination of the relevant law points. The only way to do it at this stage is to appeal to the Court of Appeal and make the process as expeditious as possible.
Reporter: Can I just ask you, even with today's decision, Immigration Department can still reject applications, right? Does it mean ...?
Secretary for Security: I didn't say the Immigration Department rejects the application, but we will freeze the application. We will not process it unless and until there is a final determination of the relevant law points.
Reporter: It is normally the case that when the court hands down the decision, that is the law, unless the court decided to suspend it, for particularly exceptional reason. So, what is the legal basis for not ...?
Secretary for Security: That is why I have mentioned it in my opening remarks. We will apply for a temporary relief to the Court of First Instance and that application will be heard on October 26, and during this period we will not process any application, and that does not amount, in my point of view, to any contempt of the court.
Reporter: So people can apply but you will not process the application? Am I right?
Secretary for Security: Yes.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Friday, September 30, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:44
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