Transcript of remarks by SFST at media session
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Reporter: Secretary, critics have highlighted your background in the DAB (Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong). Would that have any impact on your new post? Secondly, one of your major tasks is to handle the $10,000 cash handout. Is it possible that the process could speed up so people can get money as soon as possible?
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury: Thanks for the questions. In response, first of all, regarding my previous role in the DAB, basically I was a member of the standing committee, but to me, that role basically enabled me to better understand, through the lens of a political party, the pulse of Hong Kong. As all of you know, the role of political parties is really to aggregate interest of different people and to present them holistically as the view or as the platform of the party concerned. So my involvement in a political party previously enabled me to have a better understanding of the overall situation in Hong Kong which I am sure will enable me to better perform my role now.
Reporter: The second question regarding the cash handout?
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury: Regarding the cash handout, definitely I share the community's view that the speedier the better. That's why I think I have been working also with my colleagues to see if there is any room for further expedition of the process. That is something that I have in mind.
Reporter: There are reports saying that through transactions, you and your wife have avoided paying tax in buying property. What does that say about your personality or integrity? Second, will you advocate a fair tax system, perhaps to eliminate this sort of behaviour and maintain a better tax income for the Government?
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury: In terms of those transactions you mentioned, basically they are all conducted within the legal parameters. That's number one. Number two is that I will definitely observe the disclosure of interests requirements stipulated in the relevant regulations under this current regime. So basically I see no issue with that.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, April 23, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:06
Issued at HKT 19:06
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