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Following is a letter from the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, to LegCo President, the Hon Jasper Tsang, House Committee Chairman, the Hon Miriam Lau, and Finance Committee Chairman, the Hon Emily Lau, today (March 25):
ˇ§Dear President, House Committee Chairman and Finance Committee Chairman,
Special Finance Committee meeting
on 24 March 2009
At the Special Finance Committee (FC) meeting yesterday when Members examined the Estimates of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, two Legislative Council (LegCo) Members repeatedly used vulgar and offensive language against the public officers attending the meeting, departing once again from Rules 10(2) and 41(4) of the LegCo Rules of Procedures which are applicable to FC meetings. We also note that FC Chairman had not reminded Members that they should not use such language which breached Rule 41(4).
We note that some Members have repeatedly challenged the Rules of Procedures by using grossly improper and offensive language and behaviour despite the fact that we have written several times to LegCo expressing our deep concern over such behaviour. Such acts seriously departed from the spirit of mutual respect which underlies the Rules of Procedures and for which we express our deep regret.
We look to LegCo to adopt effective means as soon as possible to ensure public officers attending meetings of LegCo, including the remaining Special FC meetings, would not be subject to offensive language or behaviour.
Yours sincerely,
(Henry Tang)
Chief Secretary for Administrationˇ¨
Ends/Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:49
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