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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, at a media session after inspecting the scene of the collapse of a building ceiling at The City University of Hong Kong today (May 20):
Reporter: Mr Ng, what's your reaction to the incident today?
Secretary for Education: I express my deepest concern about what's happening this afternoon here and I recognise that two employees have been injured and they are now being given proper medical care. That's my key concern as well. I just arrived 15 minutes ago together with the Chairman of the University Council listening to the management's briefing, trying to understand what is going on.
As a matter of principle, safety is the fundamental and basic requirement of a campus for both students and employees, staff and so on. So I require and I demand the University management to provide a very detailed, comprehensive and urgent investigation of the whole thing. And I recognise that the management of the University has taken the initiative already in the formation of a three-man investigation committee looking into the subject and I would expect a report as soon as possible, preferably within two weeks.
At the same time, I understand the management has also taken the initiative to conduct checking of all the other related buildings to ensure safety. I understand the sport facility has been in operation for over 20 years. Without the details which the committee is conducting investigation, whatever the reasons, I believe a very detailed and urgent investigation is the immediate solution and action we should take. Another expectation of mine is not to allow that to happen again in the future. That would be my response right away.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Friday, May 20, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:05
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