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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (June 9):
Reporter: ...about the successor, what is the most urgent task for the new Secretary for Security?
Secretary for Security: In the past 15 years after the reunification, Hong Kong remains a very secure and safe city and our disciplined services, they have all provided very satisfactory and effective services to the people of Hong Kong. I would urge my successor to maintain the present, or improve the present services, and to provide similar secure environment for Hong Kong people to live in and to do business. And I also wish him good luck and I also wish Hong Kong people good health and Hong Kong remains a very prosperous and safe city.
Reporter: By saying that the clashes between police officers and protesters are getting worse, are you implying that ...
Secretary for Security: Hong Kong is a very diverse and tolerant community, under the Basic Law, the freedom of speech, the freedom of expression, they are all protected under the law, and the Hong Kong Government will do its best to protect all these privileges and rights of people. And as I just mentioned, last year, in the year of 2011, there were over 6,000 gatherings, protest marches in Hong Kong, averaging 18 a day. Majority of these protest marches were held in a peaceful environment, but of course on some occasions, we did encounter violent clashes from the protesters, I would urge these protesters in the future, they should respect the law and in airing their views, they should not rely on violent means and should respect the rights and privileges of other citizens in Hong Kong, and not to challenge our Police officers on the front line.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, June 9, 2012
Issued at HKT 14:53
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