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Following is the transcript (English portion) of the press conference by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, on the appointment of new members to the Executive Council at the Conference Hall at Central Government Offices New Annexe today (January 20):
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of five Members to the Executive Council. They are: Mr Lau Wong-fat, Professor Lawrence Lau, Ms Anna Wu, Ms Marjorie Yang and Mr V Nee Yeh, and their appointment will take effect from tomorrow.
The five members are astute, perceptive and committed to Hong Kong. They also have a deep understanding across the spectrum of public affairs ranging from district affairs, social policies, business, financial services to economics and education.
They have excelled in their respective fields and yet share a common strength. They all have a thorough appreciation of the rapid development of the Mainland. They will certainly have a positive impact on Hong Kong's strategy in participating in the development of the entire country and the Pearl River Delta region in particular.
Their professional knowledge and rich experience in public service will no doubt help the SAR Government formulate policies as responsive as they are visionary.
Hong Kong is in the grip of the financial tsunami. Hong Kong people have pinned high hopes on the Government. Putting forward solid and timely policies aside, we must also be able to ride the wave of opportunities amid the crisis. The fact that the five new appointees have accepted the appointment at this critical juncture is reflective of their sense of duty to Hong Kong as well as their courage to rise to the challenge.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the five outgoing members:- Mr Rafael Hui, Mr Andrew Liao, Mr Bernard Chan, Mr Henry Fan and Mr Victor Lo. It is a pleasure to have worked with them in the Executive Council and I admire their wisdom and selfless dedication.
Ms Marjorie Yang is out of town and will not be able to meet you today. She is an outstanding industrialist adept in the application of technology. She is well equipped to make contributions to public service in areas such as enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness, economic collaboration with the Mainland, the environment and people's livelihood.
The other four members will answer your questions shortly and I look forward to working closely with both the new and incumbent members in the Executive Council. I can assure you that the new Executive Council will spare no effort in striving for a better Hong Kong.
Thank you very much.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
(To be continued.)
Ends/Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:30
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