Transcript of remarks by CE at media session
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Reporter: Mrs Lam, some people may be concerned about the fact that because of Mr Tang's background in commerce we'll be shifting the art hub into a commercial project instead. How will you address these concerns? And when it comes to the need of turning this new page, as you have put it, what difference would it make when it comes to a non-official actually heading or chairing this board?
Chief Executive: I have explained that Mr Tang has this very unique experience of working in the Government and in the private sector. In fact, in recent years I think Henry has put in almost all his time in the public service, so that sort of concern should not exist at all. Anybody who looks at the CV of Henry will realise that for many years he has been working in different policy areas, and all these policy areas are extremely relevant for taking forward the WKCD project. I have every confidence that under Henry's leadership the West Kowloon Cultural District project will be brought to new heights, and I'm sure the community at large will welcome this appointment at this point in time.
Reporter: And why a non-official now? Why is this the time to change the Chairman to a non-official?
Chief Executive: Well, the ordinance for the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority never specifies that the position of the Chairman should be held by an official, so the right way to answer this question is at the beginning of the West Kowloon Cultural District project, we found that because of the extent of the interaction with the Government in the planning process, in the infrastructure planning, it is desirable to have a senior official to chair the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. But after nine years when many of those aspects have been dealt with, this is a very good timing to find a non-official to lead the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, September 18, 2017
Issued at HKT 21:09
Issued at HKT 21:09
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CE meets the media