Transcript of remarks by STH
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Reporter: Why would the talk with Tanya Chan be closed-door? Why does it have to be closed-door? Wouldn't it be more conducive if it is an open dialogue? And if you're just going to have briefings with supporters, how are you going to quantify views and would you have briefings with the pan-democrats or groups who are not really happy with the plan?
Secretary for Transport and Housing: We have to appreciate that dialogue has different formats and different purposes. If we are going to (have a) dialogue with a view to putting (forward) facts and figures and letting the reasons become clear and loud so that people would appreciate what's going on, then both Tanya (Legislative Council member Ms Tanya Chan) and me agreed that that kind of dialogue should be held in the Legislative Council.
After my offer, I did call up Tanya and we came to the conclusion that if we are going to (have a) dialogue in closed door, we can. But she refused. Thereafter, I have also talked to her in the Legislative Council after the joint panel (Panel on Transport, Panel on Security and Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services) meeting and the same stance came out. So that we are basically acting in conformance to our mutual agreement.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, August 10, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:01
Issued at HKT 19:01
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