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Following is an open letter issued today (June 23) by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and technology, Mr Joseph WP Wong, in view of his departure from the Government from July 1, 2007:
Dear Fellow Citizens,
As I will be leaving my post shortly, I like to express my deepest gratitude for the support and criticism you have given me during my tenure of Government service. Your support has helped me overcome various difficulties and your criticism has made me re-examine and rectify my many inadequacies.
It is my good fortune to have served the community for 34 years, handling many government policies and implementing numerous initiatives. I have attended to every task with the utmost dedication, but I admit I have not always produced the best results. I only hope that during this period, I have done a few good things for the people of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is my birthplace and my home. Whatever I have now, I owe it to this place and successive generations of Hong Kong people. I will continue to serve you and our community if ever there is a need and an opportunity to do so.
Thank you most sincerely again and I wish Hong Kong a better tomorrow.
(Joseph W P Wong)
He also issued today the following letter to his colleagues and friends in view of his departure:
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
I say goodbye to you with the deepest gratitude.
It is my good fortune to have served the public for 34 years, and my great honour to have made a small contribution to the community.
During this long period, we have together faced a lot of challenges and overcome many difficulties. You have made me understand my weaknesses and rectify my mistakes. Your encouragement and support have rekindled my hope in my depressed moments, and your advice and assistance have helped me accomplish numerous arduous tasks.
I sincerely thank every colleague of mine, past and present, for the treasures you have given me. If I have become a better worker, a more considerate colleague and a wiser person, it is because of the counsel and service you have offered me over the years.
From 1 July, I will start a new chapter of my life. Our paths may not cross again. Let me therefore thank you most sincerely again and offer you and your families my very best wishes.
(Joseph W P Wong)
Ends/Saturday, June 23, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:07
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