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Following is the transcript (English portion) of the media session given by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, on the Extension of Appointment of Secretary for Justice after the Executive Council meeting today (May 16):
The current appointment of the Secretary for Justice expires on June 30, 2000. I have invited Miss Elsie Leung to stay on until June 30, 2002, and she has graciously accepted my invitation.
Following the reunification, the successful implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' and our ability to maintain the rule of law are being recognised both in Hong Kong and overseas.
Indeed, under our new constitutional framework, to maintain the rule of law in Hong Kong and to implement 'One Country, Two Systems', the job of the Secretary for Justice is a highly sensitive and challenging one.
On the one hand, as my principal legal adviser, the Secretary for Justice has provided very important legal advice on a wide range of issues, in particular in connection with the Basic Law and the relationship between the Mainland legal system and the Hong Kong legal system.
On the other hand, the Secretary for Justice has provided excellent leadership in guiding the Department of Justice to firmly protect the rule of law in Hong Kong.
In both respects, the Secretary for Justice has performed very well.
My colleagues and I, and Members of the Executive Council, are delighted that the Secretary for Justice can continue to serve Hong Kong together with us in the days and years ahead.
Chief Executive's transcript (Chinese Part)
End/Tuesday, May 16, 2000
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