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Transcript of remarks by FS at media session (with video)
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     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at a media session today (December 12) at the lobby of West Wing, Central Government Offices, Tamar:

Financial Secretary: Friends of the media, fellow Hong Kong citizens, I believe you are all aware of the statement issued by Government earlier today. I have this morning tendered my resignation to the Chief Executive. I shall take leave starting from tomorrow. My Political Assistant has also tendered his resignation to the Chief Executive this morning.

     First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Central People's Government for their trust in me and their support and encouragement all along. It is my enormous honour and privilege to serve this community of ours and the people of Hong Kong, and to contribute to the long-term development of our home as well as our nation.

     I wish to thank C Y and the entire team of senior officials for their support in the past four and a half years, and in helping me fulfil my aspirations as the Financial Secretary.

     I would also like to thank the two former Chief Executives. Mr Tung nominated me for the post of Commissioner of Customs and Excise in 1999. That was my first post as Principal Official. Mr Tsang nominated me to take up the post of Financial Secretary in 2007, and I have now served that role for more than nine years. It is the longest position that I have ever held in my 34 years of public service, and is the most memorable chapter of my career as a public servant.

     I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my government colleagues, past and present. The Hong Kong civil service is a team that is impartial, efficient and competent. They have continued to excel, discharging their duties faithfully despite the mounting pressure and the rising expectation from different sectors in recent years. Their hard work and their dedication is the key motive force that drives Hong Kong forward.
 
     Finally, I wish to thank the people of Hong Kong. You may be aware that I returned to Hong Kong from the US in 1982 to become a civil servant in the Hong Kong Government. It has been a huge honour and privilege for me to have witnessed the historical moment of Hong Kong's reunification with our motherland, and I am proud to see that the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy have been successfully implemented, and that Hong Kong continues to be prosperous and stable.

     I think all of you are concerned about whether I would run for Chief Executive or not. As I have said before, whether I would run or not run is a serious and solemn matter. I shall think through this in the coming days and make an announcement once ready. I hope you would understand that I am not able to say any more than what I have said so far, given my current position as Financial Secretary, so thank you.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
 
Ends/Monday, December 12, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:56
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