Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo (with video)
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Reporter: Hi, two questions. Just to follow up on your announcement that there will be a plan to import labour. Could you specify what's the role of the Labour Advisory Board when designing this much-anticipated plan? Because you said you've consulted different sectors, but some members of the board said they haven't been consulted before. And secondly, about the Government's bid to ban the protest song, "Glory to Hong Kong". Could you specify why did the Government resort to applying for such an order to ban the song and how will this order enable the Government to take down the song from the Internet? Thank you.
Chief Executive: In regard to the overall manpower requirement for different industries, I have said two months ago during one of these pre-ExCo stand-ups that we are looking seriously at the needs of different sectors. And at that time, I particularly emphasised two sectors - one is the construction sector; the other is the transportation sector. We are coming to a conclusion and the details of our plan will be announced very soon. In the course of making all these assessments, the policy bureaux and responsible officials have been talking and listening to views by representatives of different sectors. When the announcement of the plan is made, which will be very soon, then all these details will be covered.
As regards the legal action that is being taken in court to seek an injunction on a song which is not compatible with the national interest, it is not appropriate for me to make any comment at this stage because I respect the judicial process. But what is very clear is one point that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has a duty and obligation to safeguard national security, and we should do it proactively and also preventively. This is why the Government is taking this action. We will wait for the decision of the court.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Issued at HKT 12:57
Issued at HKT 12:57
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Audio / Video
CE meets the media