Following is the English portion of the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, at a stand-up session at LegCo Complex today (November 20):
 
Reporter: On what has happened today, that is the traffic congestion, do you see that the chance of holding the election will be further reduced? At which point the government will decide to postpone the election? Secondly, following up on the case of Simon Cheng (former employee of the British consulate in Hong Kong who reportedly has been tortured on the Mainland), how will the government follow up the case with the Mainland authorities?
 
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: Regarding the first question, as I have said before, we are committed to conducting the polling as scheduled on November 24.  We do not want to see the postponement or adjournment of the polling unless absolutely necessary. Therefore, we are doing everything we can and make necessary contingency planning and arrangements to achieve this objective. What has happened this morning, such as traffic disruption, blocking the screen doors and making delays in the MTR or blocking roads, causing delays and inconvenience to people who are going to work or to school.  If that happens on the polling day, that might affect the opening of the polling stations on time which will have a material impact on the smooth conduct of the polling. Traffic blockage could make adverse impact on the smooth conduct of the polling. That's why I appeal to the public, especially those protesters, "when you express your views and opinion, please do not affect the right of other people". I think we should air our views and opinion in a way that will not affect other people's right.
 
     Regarding your second question, as I said if Hong Kong residents have any requests for our assistance, we will ask them to come forward and let us have the information so that we can follow up with the Mainland authorities in accordance with our established mechanism. In following up on these requests, we will, of course, follow the "one country, two systems" principle and we would certainly reflect the situation to the Mainland authorities and seek their assistance and follow-up. In any particular case, I will welcome those affected to come forward and provide us with information.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Issued at HKT 21:20

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