Following is the transcript of a media session given by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at Hong Kong International Airport today, upon returning from his official visit to Malaysia and Singapore:

Mr Tung: I was in Singapore and Malaysia altogether for about three days. It was a very constructive and useful trip. I was there -- I was very cordially and warmly welcome by the leaders of the government and also had the opportunity to meet the leaders in commerce and industry. The reception, I, myself and my colleagues received was very warm and very cordial. It shows that, how much importance Malaysia and Singapore attach to Hong Kong in terms of our relationship and how much they attach, to the importance of relationship with our sovereign China.

I was there to explain to our friends in Singapore and Malaysia that we are going forward well, that the government is functioning normally, lifestyle as we are accustomed to is being maintained and economy continuing to expand. We also had chance to exchange our views about many issues of mutual interest to see whether we can deepen our co-operation. Of particular interest to me of course, is in areas of housing and education and also information technology area. I found all these discussions very useful. I am glad to say that the messages that we were trying to get across that Hong Kong is doing well, is well received and they all feel very pleased that we are really making good progress and the one country, two system is now -- the foundation of which is now being solidly laid.

I am going to the United States on Monday. I will be in Washington and New York and will be returning on Friday. I will be there meeting government officials, congressmen and senators as well as meeting many leaders in industry, commerce and in the field of finance. I look forward to explaining to them what has happened since the transition, to tell them that we are really doing well here in Hong Kong.

So, thank you very much. I would be happy to take a few questions.

Question: Sir, is it right that Clinton and Albright are still not confirmed and also when you go to the United States, you are expected ... the word is out that you might get a grilling over the election arrangements. How are you going to defend it to them the loss of the million of the electorate - the one company, one vote. How will you defend it, as a step forward, backward, sideways or what?

Mr Tung: Well, as I explained that it is important to explain to our friends in America and those who care about Hong Kong what we are doing insofar as the election is concerned. Our election process will be fair and open and that we are doing it in the long-term interest of Hong Kong. At the end of the day, we must do what is right for Hong Kong. I will do obviously my best to explain, but we have to do in Hong Kong what is right for Hong Kong. I am looking forward to meeting the President on September 12.

Question: You use the word 'explain'. Are you saying that some Americans have misunderstandings about Hong Kong?

Mr Tung: Well, I think there are some misperceptions out there. We are separated by a huge ocean so it would always be very nice for me and for any of my colleagues to be there explaining away what truly and really is happening in Hong Kong, so that they can get a better understanding. I hope I will have a chance to do that.