Transcript of CE-elect's remarks at media session in Beijing (with photo/video)
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Reporter: Mrs Lam, when you expressed concerns about the August 31st decision, did you say that there are some Hong Kong people, particularly in the democratic camp, who strongly oppose this, the framework, and are asking state leaders to actually withdraw that? And secondly, President Xi actually recommended you, complimented, for saying that you were excellent in dealing with complex issues. But there are calls for Hong Kong independence now. Do you think, and also that there are some pan-democrats, actually the Democratic Party, saying that members will have to quit the party if they were to join your cabinet. How can you actually get the sides together to unite the people again?
Chief Executive-elect: Well, first of all, I have given a broad account of Hong Kong's latest situation, including Hong Kong's political situation, to the leaders, especially in the session with President Xi Jinping. In those broad account and remarks, I did refer to some sentiments and concerns about the National People's Congress Standing Committee resolution on the 31st of August about the constitutional development. But of course the leaders will also notice that in my Manifesto my position on restarting constitutional development in Hong Kong is pretty clear. We need an environment that is conducive to rational discussions and those discussions will have to continue to use the 31st August resolution as the basis.
As for the second question, I'm very grateful to President Xi and to the other two leaders for commending my previous working experience in the Hong Kong SAR Government and for their full confidence in me in taking up this position as the next Chief Executive. In forming my team, I've said in public that I welcome talents from different political affiliations to join the team as long as they share my philosophy and my governance style. It is not entirely within my control if that particular person comes from a political party and how that political party will see their party member joining the Hong Kong SAR Government. But I do hope very much that they would also have that broad mind to accommodate the wish of their party members to serve the people of Hong Kong through taking up a position in my governing team.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:26
Issued at HKT 19:26
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