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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, before attending the first forum for concern groups and stakeholders for public consultation on the Long Term Housing Strategy tonight (October 7):
Reporter: But the families are threatening to take criminal action. Do you think you are taking too long and they cannot wait anymore?
Secretary for Transport and Housing: We are undertaking the internal investigation with full speed. Of course we have to ensure the integrity of the investigation process. We have to give time for people who are asked to provide information, to attend interviews, (and to give them) enough time to provide the evidence. At this point we have come to a critical stage where some officers have already been interviewed. We will not lose any time to take our investigation forward. Of course for the bereaved families, they have the full legal rights to initiate any proceedings, whether criminal or civil, as they consider appropriate upon their legal advice.
For the Government, the Department of Justice has designated a government lawyer to enter into dialogue with the legal representatives of the families. We are fully aware of the anxiety of the families.
For me as the Secretary, I am also very concerned that we take the investigation forward as quickly as possible.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, October 7, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:58
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