In response to media enquiries on whether the dinner to celebrate Dr S Y Chung's 80th birthday will be held as scheduled at the Government House, the Chief Executive's Office made the following statement today:

"The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, believes that it is part of his official duty to have gatherings with members of the Executive Council. The dinner being planned is to pay tribute to Dr Chung for his past service and his continued contribution to the Hong Kong SAR even at the age of 80. The dinner also underlines the importance Mr Tung attaches to the Convenor of the Executive Council. As to the dinner venue, the Chief Executive has the authority to decide the use of the Government House. Mr Tung believes that the Government House serves as a proper venue for holding the dinner.

"Mr Tung has taken into careful consideration the opposing views held by certain quarters of the community. He appreciates that these views are well- intentioned. Mr Tung understands that Hong Kong people have high expectations of the conduct of the Chief Executive and civil servants. This small scale dinner is of an official nature. It is well-intentioned, like those opposing views expressed.

"On his return to Hong Kong last week, Mr Tung contacted Dr Chung and learned that he would decline the invitation to the official dinner as he did not wish the dinner to be misunderstood. After considering Dr Chung's wish and his modesty, the Chief Executive has decided to cancel the dinner. Gatherings with members of the Executive Council will continue to be held in future."