Transcript of remarks by Chairman of Legislative Council Commission on deliberations made by the Commission
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Following is the remarks by the Chairman of the Legislative Council Commission (The Commission), Mr Andrew Leung, on deliberations made by the Commission at a media briefing at the Legislative Council (LegCo) Complex today (April 18):
First of all, regarding the recovery of Members' remuneration and operating expenses from the four persons who have been disqualified from assuming the office of LegCo, the Commission considered that as public monies are involved, it is necessary to take into account all relevant factors, including the Administration's reply, in handling the matter. The Commission noted the legal advice that it has legal basis to recover the monies.
Meanwhile, the Commission has also considered the defenses of the four persons, the chance of success of the recovery action, as well as the legal costs involved.
According to preliminary estimate, the legal costs may amount to over HK$10 million. The Commission agreed that public money must be used prudently.
After deliberations, the Commission has decided that, subject to the fulfillment of the following conditions, the Commission will take it as the full and final settlement of the matter:
- Firstly, they must return the advance of the operating funds;
- Secondly, they must return all the capital items, such as mobile phones and laptop computers; and
- Thirdly, they must return certain prepaid expenses to the Commission.
In other words, the amount to be returned by each of the four persons is in the region of HK$190,000 to HK$310,000.
The above offer is made on a without prejudice basis.
If any of the conditions mentioned above is not met, the Commission will consider commencing legal action to recover all the monies paid to them. The Secretariat will follow up on the details.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:40
Issued at HKT 19:40
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