Following is the transcript of the remarks made by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at a media session after the Executive Council meeting today:

I want to make a few remarks with regard to the Provisional LegCo's activities on the Legislative Council Bill. The 1998 May election is very important to Hong Kong. It is very important to Hong Kong and the original proposal by the Government was only made after great consideration, very detailed consideration, and obviously from our point of view, we feel the original proposal was a very good one -- it was made after a great deal of consultation and consideration. So, now there are changes to it. We really regret these changes. Having said that, Michael Suen, our government, is now looking very hard at areas where changes are being made, particularly with regard to the voter registration for two particular functional constituencies. And we are looking at it very quickly with a view to clarify the situation, to make sure that the voter registration can go forward smoothly and that after we have the chance to review this we'll go back to the Provisional LegCo to get their approval before we move forward. Let me emphasise that the original intention to have the election in May has not been changed, the schedule has not been affected. And number two is that there will be obvious amendments and they are very small nature compare with the entire proposal the Government originally has made. And I'm quite sure that the May election will be good, will be credible and will be open and fair and will be accepted to Hong Kong people.