Transcript of SCMA's remarks at media session
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     Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, at a media session during the attendance of a meeting of the Legislative Council this afternoon (November 8):
 
Reporter: People are concerned. It seems that the (national anthem) law is quite ambiguous. So why wouldn’t you consider an official public consultation?
 
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: I think you are referring to the form of consultation. But I think we should focus on the most effective means of doing this local legislation work. As I said, during the whole legislative process, there are many opportunities for us to listen to and consider the views of the Legislative Council and also the public. And I also noticed that in recent days or weeks, a lot of such views have already been expressed. We will continue to listen carefully. During the local legislative process, when the Government put forward a concrete legislative proposal, I think that forms the basis and it would be very effective for us to focus on the legislative proposal, to deliberate and to consider whether it is the most appropriate way to do so, having regard to our constitutional and legal system and legal principles. That’s the work plan we are currently undertaking, and we will certainly take into account the views of the Legislative Council and the public in taking forward the legislative work.
 
     Thank you very much.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:23

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