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Wednesday, July 2, 1997 CONTENTS ======== 1. SARCE's press conference 2. CE makes declaration of interests to CJ 3. CE presents medals of honour 4. Visa agreement with Thailand 5. CE's speech at International HK Celebrates Gala Dinner 6. Television news is not correct 1. SARCE's press conference ************************ Following is the transcript (English part, please also refer to the Chinese part) of the press conference by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (Wednesday): Mr Tung: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. I am pleased to have this opportunity to be standing in front of you. I'm glad to see you all here this second day of the Hong Kong SAR. It's been a very successful, very happy day for myself personally, for the 6.5 million people of Hong Kong, and for Chinese people all around the world. I hope you have also enjoyed yourself in Hong Kong, although I know you've all worked very hard covering the news. We have been very fortunate and happy to have the very senior Chinese leadership to join us for the celebration in Hong Kong. Our President, Jiang Zemin, reaffirmed again that one country two systems, Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, will remain unchanged for a long, long, long, long time to come. He's also declared that the Basic Law will be observed by all departments of the Central Government, all the provinces, all the autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. Mr Jiang stated time again that no department of local authority or no department period, would be allowed to interfere in affairs which should be handled by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on its own. These reassurances, I have heard before many times, have been very reassuring when he spoke yesterday. Over the past few days I have had opportunity to meet many emissaries from different countries. Each of these emissaries have brought with them the goodwill and the best wishes for China and for Hong Kong and they all share, not only the happiness, but also the confidence that we all have for the future of Hong Kong. I took the opportunity to establish some friendships through these very important discussions. My senior officials and I have given interviews to some of you and millions of people around the world have witnessed the handover ceremony through your efforts. It is a very happy event for us and I'm very pleased that the event went well. It was very smooth, increases our confidence for a better and brighter future. As you are aware, we have been very busy in the past 36 hours. Some of us didn't quite get enough sleep. We had to define new laws, establishing the government and attending numerous functions organised by the committee, all officially, to celebrate the re-unification. I have spoken yesterday twice, once early in the morning, the other time at 10 am, where I have outlined some of the issues which I believe need to be looked at and I shall be happy to answer any questions you might have. Thank you very much. Question: Mr Tung, Philippe Paquet from La Libre Belgique, Brussels. Should a major conflict occur between China and Hong Kong, would you stand with Hong Kong or would you side with Hong Kong? MR Tung: I'm sorry, I missed your question. Mr Paquet: Should a major conflict... Mr Tung: Oh, conflict. Mr Paquet: ...occur between China and Hong Kong, would you side with Hong Kong or would you stand with China? .......: Where do you come from, please? Mr Paquet: I am from a newspaper in Brussels, La Libre Belgique. Mr Tung: Well, first of all, let me tell you this, that this is a very happy event for all Chinese people. We are in a celebration mood but having said this, I also want to tell you that the long-term interests of China and Hong Kong are the same. The more prosperous we are, we contribute to China's continued modernisation. The more successful China is, Hong Kong will become even more prosperous. So our long-term interests are the same. In terms of the short-term, there will be conflicts and obviously they will need to be talked through in order to make sure that our interests are looked after so it is something that we will watch very carefully. But the important thing is that our long-term interests are very similar. Question (Radio New Zealand): There are 4,000 New Zealanders living here in this country, a lot of investment, quite big ones, a lot of small businesses and so on, and a lot of trade. What future do we have under the Hong Kong SAR? Mr Tung: I think you have a great future here. In fact, like all the other international business communities because, as I said in my speech, my intention is to maintain Hong Kong's economic vibrancy and to continue to create wealth for the people, and I think there will be lots of business opportunities, not only just for the local people, but also for the international business community. And number two is that I've said time again that we are a predominantly Chinese society and I will want to re-emphasise some of the very traditional but very good traditional Chinese values but, on the other hand, we have been influenced by the west and there are many areas where the west is very good. I'd like to see a society which combines the best of the east and the west. And thirdly, I'm determined to keep the status as a premier international city, a cosmopolitan city and I think New Zealanders - I mean, you're good at business, you're also very good at playing football - you're all welcome. Question : Yes. I am newspaper Cladine (phonetic) from Argentina here. Mr Tung, do you think this successful handover can be an example for another cases of British colonies like Malvinas, called Falkland Islands, or Gibraltar? (Request for question to be repeated) Question: If Mr Tung thinks that this successful handover can be an example for another cases of British colonies like Malvinas, called also Falkland Islands, or Gibraltar? Mr Tung: I think I get the question. I think the successful transition is a very good example to settle international issues that are left to be settled by history. The co- operation of the two governments, although at times difficult, on the whole has been all right and I think it's a good way to move forward to settle any international disputes or -- not really disputes -- to settle international issues that have been left there by history. Question : Mr Tung, in light of your speech yesterday establishing that housing is your number one priority, please describe the housing situation as you see it today and how much money you think it's appropriate to spend on public housing. My name is...from Dallas Morning News from Taxas. Mr Tung: Housing is our number one priority because there are 150,000 waiting for about seven and a half years to be housed in proper, respectable accomodations. Housing is our priority because middle class who want to own their own homes see their dream of ownership evaporate. Housing is important because too expensive rental at the high end will hurt our competitiveness as a regional service centre. So, it is a very important priority. How much money do we want to spend on it. The truth of the matter is that when Government reclaims land and moves forward either with reclamation or with finding land here and there, and put up the necessary infrastructure, very often you end up in the plus column because the value of the land in Hong Kong is really quite high. So, although there will be some financial burden, I do not expect the financial burden to be very serious. Question: Mr Tung, Secretary Albright invited you to the United States and I'm wondering when you plan to go. And as a second question, whether you or anyone in your family has an American passport? Mr Tung: Well, first of all, Secretary Albright has kindly invited me to go and I was very grateful for the invitation. I told her that when I settle down a little bit, when I get enough sleep, when I start meeting with my principal officials to map out the priorities and schedules for the next six months to a year, I will let her know as soon as possible when I will be going. No date has been fixed yet. On the second point, all my three children were born in America. They all hold American passports. Question (ITN Channel 4): Will there be any legal action taken against the Democratic Party for their demonstration on Monday night on the balcony and does the Provisional Legislature have any legal standing to prosecute them. Thank you! Mr Tung: As you know the Provisional Legislature has total legitimacy and very solid legal foundation. (inaudible) the first point is concerned, I think people were curious at least what would happen on June 30 as far as demonstrations are concerned. And I have repeated many times that demonstrations, so long as they are lawful, so long as they are legal, they can go right ahead. The objective is to make sure that this sort of culture continue to be there although we have to be mindful of the right of the community as a whole. Now the Democratic Party and some others have demonstrated on June 30th to voice their concern. This is fine. I am very happy that particular event did not take away from the celebration that we will all having as Chinese people in Hong Kong on this very great day for us. Question: Mr Tung, the Times Newspaper London has been on its knees in front of you for 10 minutes. Very rare. Except when speaking to friends from Taiwan, are you always going to speak in Cantonese at press conferences, if you speak Chinese? And my second question is, in your speech yesterday you said that you thought that confrontation was not such a good thing, but do you think that the kind of demonstration that happened yesterday, those people who were demonstrating, those 5,000 people, is that confrontation or is that a part of the culture of Hong Kong? Thank you. Mr Tung: Jonathan, I'm sorry you are on your knees. I didn't notice that. Firstly, if the journalists ask me questions in Cantonese, English, Mandarin, or Shanghainese I will be able to answer exactly in the right manner in response. But if you ask me in French or Fukienese, I'm sorry I can't answer them, I don't know how to speak the language. Insofar as the second point is concerned, are these demonstrations good? Well, it gives the demonstrator the opportunity to say things. Would I do it this way? Obviously not, because I think there are many channels open to communication. I would have thought there were better ways of communicating. Question (ITN Channel 3): Do you see the SAR's relationship with Britain prospering or declining given Tony Blair's refusal to attend the swearing-in yesterday morning, or do you not see that as an insult? Mr Tung: I had very useful discussions with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary and the emphasis is on putting aside the past. Let's move forward together for the future. This will certainly be the emphasis of the SAR administration. British businesses have been very important to Hong Kong. I think they will find the environment continues to be attractive for them - British people, expats who have lived here, worked here, very much part of our community - and I would hope they will find the environment in the future just as attractive if not more attractive. Together we go on to build a better Hong Kong. And the third point I'd like to tell you is that I suggested very strongly that for Hong Kong's future, it is important for Britain to mend fences with China and I think, and I'm glad that there will be some effort in that direction, because I've noticed that Mr Cook is going to visit China later on this year, and the Prime Minister perhaps next year. Question: Good afternoon, sir. My question concerns about the Filipino community here. What does the future hold for more than 150,000 Filipino domestics in Hong Kong? Will they still enjoy the same privilege under your administration? Mr Tung: The Filipino domestic help is very much part of our community and I hope they will be here for a long, long time to come. Question: Mr Tung, Derek Johnson from TVB News. You've spoken in the past, you've said in the past that Hong Kong has become too politicised in recent years. Now that you are Chief Executive, do you intend to try to make it less political and, if so, what does that mean and how are you going to do it? Mr Tung: Are we too politicised? Let me ask you, how can we in two or three weeks pass through all these legislations, some of them without proper study, certainly without proper consultation and many of them will have long-term implications for our community as a whole? You ask me, are we politicised? You give me that answer. Could I just go on to say, to take this opportunity, I'd like to re-emphasise, each one of these laws, each one of these amendments, is being studied by the administration and we will do what is necessary to protect this community. Question: John Higgins from The Guardian, London. Mr Tung, you have said that legitimate political organisations can take part in the political process. Can you define "legitimate" and can you give us an example of an illegitimate organisation? Mr Tung: They are properly registered, they are legitimate. For instance, the Democratic Party, I think, I hope they will participate in the future elective process. I'm given to understand that they will. I'm pleased that they will because I'd like to have all parts of our community involved in the political process. Question (Kyoto News): Just for the record, when do you expect the next Leg Co election to take place, in what month? Question number two, you set down a 10-year plan for housing. You said a 10-year plan for the housing policy, for universal suffrage in Hong Kong, how many years do you expect universal suffrage to be here? Mr Tung: Insofar as the question of universal suffrage is concerned, I think, we have just begun with a democratic progress and I would hope in a number of years' time, we should be able to evaluate how fast we go. For the time being, for the next 10 years, the Basic Law has been very clear as to the democratic process evolution. I would think it is a good and reasonable speed in which to move forward. Insofar as your first question is concerned, we are all working very hard to have the election for the first legislature as early as possible. My guess is that it would be in the second quarter of next year. I shouldn't say my guess, I know it will be in the second quarter of next year. I don't want to tell you the precise month yet. End 2. CE makes declaration of interests to CJ *************************************** The HKSAR Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, has on July 1 made a declaration of interests to the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Andrew Li, who has put it on record. This declaration is to comply with requirements under Article 47 of the Basic Law, which stipulates that the Chief Executive, on assuming office, shall declare his assets to the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal. Mr Tung declared and made public his interests together with Members of the HKSAR Executive Council in April this year. End 3. CE presents medals of honour **************************** The HKSAR Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (Wednesday) presented the Grand Bauhinia Medals in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's honours system to 12 recipients at Government House. The Grand Bauhinia Medal (GBM) is the highest award in the honours system. The recipients must be Hong Kong permanent residents who have displayed distinguishing merits over a considerable period. Those so honoured have, for a long time: * Fostered among Hong Kong people a love for the Motherland; * Showed concern about and support for, and also identified with, China's accomplishments; and * Made an outstanding contribution to the Hong Kong community. The honours list will be announced annually on July 1. The 12 recipients honoured today with the GBM are: Mr Wong Ker Lee, Mr Ann Tse Kai, Mr Cha Chi Ming, Dr Chung Sze Yuen, Mr Simon Li Fook Sean, Mr Tsang Hin Chi, Mr Chuang Shih Ping, Mrs Elsie Tu, Mr Xu Simin, Mr Lee Quo Wei, Mr Fok Ying Tung, and Mr Lo Tak Shing. The HKSAR Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, presided over the ceremony which China's Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister, Mr Qian Qichen, also attended. End 4. Visa agreement with Thailand **************************** Mr Tung Chee Hwa, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and His Excellency Mr Prachuab Chaiyasan, Foreign Minister of Thailand, signed an agreement today (Wednesday) on mutual exemption of visa requirements for holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport to visit Thailand and Thai passport holders to visit Hong Kong for 30 days. "The signing of the agreement reflects the Thai Government's confidence in the 'One Country, Two Systems' concept and Hong Kong's continued stability and prosperity, " Mr Tung said. He added that he had no doubt that other countries would follow suit in joining the increasing list of countries or territories granting the HKSAR passport visa-free treatment. The visa-exemption agreement between Thailand and Hong Kong will no doubt promote the further development of trade, business and tourism links between Hong Kong and Thailand. End 5. CE's speech at International HK Celebrates Gala Dinner ****************************************************** Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the International Hong Kong Celebrates Gala Dinner tonight (Wednesday): Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Evening, Good Evening. If I should lose my voice half way through my speech, please excuse me because I have really been speaking too much. If you ask me for my personal experience, for the first time for a long time, I saw my granddaughter yesterday, two years old, and she couldn't even recognise me. It was a rather surprised moment for me. But I hope this festivity will end soon and I will be able to return to a more normal life. It was a very happy day yesterday for all of us here in Hong Kong. I think there is one person who is among our midst who has done so much for Hong Kong, whose every thought everyday is about what is good for Hong Kong. Can you all join me in welcoming Director Lu Ping who is sitting right there? First of all, I must take a moment to congratulate the Better Hong Kong Foundation on a very successful and spectacular show that they put on last night for all of the people of Hong Kong. Distinguished guests and viewers from around the world were undoubtedly very very impressed as we in Hong Kong all are. I would also like to commend them for organising this wonderful dinner. One million dollars from this evening's proceeds will go to the InterCham Scholarship Fund. This Fund assists talented local students to attend universities in Hong Kong, who would not otherwise have the financial means to do so. The charitable contribution has added special meaning to this occasion : marking the beginning of a new era with an investment in our young people, a stake in the future of Hong Kong. It was a solemn, stately and emotional moment for everyone present, as the Union Jack was lowered, and the Chinese flag raised at midnight on June 30; as we announced to the world, in our language, that Hong Kong had entered a new era. It is a new era and a moment of pride and joy for Chinese people all over the world. The significance of the occasion goes beyond the transition of Hong Kong from a British colony to a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. It is the first step towards the ultimate re-unification of the whole of China. The peaceful re-unification of Hong Kong with China under the concept of "one country, two systems" puts to test the pioneering and enterprising spirit which characterise the people of Hong Kong. For the first time ever, we will administer Hong Kong, taking full responsibility for our decisions and be accountable for their consequences. We are finally masters of our own destiny. Our goal is clear : we must make Hong Kong more successful than before and improve the quality of life for the people at the same time. It is a great honour and heavy responsibility being the first Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. My mission is to lead Hong Kong to scale new heights. I do not under-estimate the difficulties which lie ahead, but I am confident that together we will succeed. Recent polls showed that 80% of Hong Kong residents, like me, feel confident about the future of Hong Kong. Indeed, more Hong Kong people who have previously emigrated are returning to Hong Kong. They see opportunities here, and they want to take part in making history. In case anyone has any lingering doubts, let me share with you the basis of my confidence. First, the concept of :"one country, two systems" is the brainchild of a great leader and a respected patriot. It was devised with the fundamental interests of China and the Chinese people in mind. Yesterday, President Jiang in his speech marking the establishment of the first Hong Kong Special Administrative Region reaffirmed, in full witness of everyone, that "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" with "high degree of autonomy" will remain a long-term basic policy of China for a long long time to come. Chinese leaders are fully committed to making "one country, two systems" work. They have complete faith in the ability of Hong Kong people in administering Hong Kong; and have pledged their full support for us. I can testify to this commitment with my experience over the last six months. The Central Government have given us a free hand in dealing with our internal affairs and have demonstrated flexibility, understanding, co-operation and accommodation. Second, Hong Kong and the Mainland have the same long- term interests; and we share the same destiny. Time and again, the President and other Chinese leaders have emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and the contribution which we can make to the modernisation of the whole country. There is every good reason for China to want Hong Kong to continue to succeed. I firmly believe, and I know many in this room share the same conviction, that if Hong Kong succeeds, China will benefit; and if China succeeds, Hong Kong will benefit even more. This special relationship provides a solid foundation on which "one country, two systems" will work and succeed. Third, the promise of high degree of autonomy under "one country, two systems" is firmly embedded in the Basic Law which provides the constitutional framework for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Basic Law guarantees the continuity of existing legal, social, economic and fundamental systems in Hong Kong. It preserves the existing freedoms and life style of the people of Hong Kong. It protects the right of private ownership, maintains a separate currency and customers territory, and re-affirms the policies of prudent financial management and low taxation. These guarantees are firm and legally binding. Finally, China has undergone dramatic changes since she opened up to the outside world in 1978. The economy has grown at a remarkable rate, unmatched by any other economies in the world in recent history. The vitality and energy in China today is for everybody to see. The economic success is indeed astounding by any standard. I think everyone agrees. Indeed, it is this generation of leadership in China, well educated, pragmatic and with a clear vision of the future, who are moving China forward into the 21st century. The ability and intellectual power is clearly there. It is this ability and intellectual power that will ensure the implementation of "one country, two systems" concept and make us feel assured about the promises of continuity of the existing systems and a high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong. But for "one country, two systems" to work, Hong Kong must also do our part. Due to our long separation from the Mainland, people in Hong Kong do not understand China well enough. The interests of Hong Kong and the Mainland are intricately linked and intertwined. The re-unification has created in my view a new environment and better conditions for us to understand our country and our people, and eventually to love our country and our people. Only then can we firmly establish our roots and make "One Country, Two Systems" a success. We must strengthen the understanding and relationship between Hong Kong and the Mainland, through mutual trust, mutual economic benefits, cultural interaction, and mutual respect for each other's way of life. We know Hong Kong and the Mainland will move forward together, hand in hand. We must constantly remind ourselves that we are part of China. Only by recognising that we are one inseparable nation, with common long-term interests, can we successfully operate two systems within one country. Only by showing mutual respect can we move forward together. Hong Kong's prosperity is built on the firm foundations of a free market, free enterprise and free trade, maximum competition and a level-playing field. None of these will change under this administration. I will see to it that the Government will continue to provide a stable economic environment and play a supporting and facilitating role, so that the private sector can maximise its contribution and make the best use of the opportunities available. We will continue to encourage foreign investments and attract multi-national corporations to come to Hong Kong. We will provide a favourable investment climate and the necessary infrastructure to support their operations here in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has been under the influence of western culture for 156 years. In many aspects, we have greatly benefited from these. The rule of law, the system of governance and the freedom we enjoy today have all become part of us and part of the reason why we are successful. The British rule has made significant contributions in these developments. Every society has to have its own values to provide a common purpose and a sense of unity. Most of the people in Hong Kong are Chinese, some of you are not. For a long time, Hong Kong has embraced the eastern and western cultures. We will continue to encourage diversity in our society, but we must also reaffirm and respect the fine traditional Chinese values, including filial piety, love for the family, modesty and integrity, and the desire for continuous improvement. We value plurality, but discourage open confrontation; we strive for liberty but not at the expense of the rule of law; we respect minority views, but are mindful of all of our wider interests; we will protect individual rights, but also must shoulder collective responsibilities. I hope these values will provide the foundation for unity in our society for a long time to come. The continuous presence of an international business community in Hong Kong is important for our further development. Our economy thrives on openness, diversification and fair competition. I am gratified to see the results of recent polls among foreign companies. The American Chamber of Commerce survey found that 95% of its member companies feel that the business environment in Hong Kong for the next five years will be "very favourable" or "favourable". A British Chamber of Commerce poll found that 98% of their member companies plan to stay in Hong Kong well into the next century. This vote of confidence is encouraging, and I congratulate the respondents for their good judgment. No one has ever betted against Hong Kong in the past and won. Since the 1980s, some people have predicted the surmise of Hong Kong as 1997 approaches. The fact of the matter is : contrary to these predictions, we have moved from strength to strength. We have worked hard to get where we are today and we will not stand still. One of the top priorities of my administration is to promote further economic growth, so as to create wealth for the people and to improve the quality of life for all. My objectives are : - to maintain and expand Hong Kong's role as a leading financial centre; - to promote the growth and development of the services sector; and - to encourage the development of 21st century manufacturing and high-technology industries. I shall work with my Principal Officials to map out a strategy to achieve these objectives. The thrust of the strategy will be : (a) to upgrade the information infrastructure for the financial market so as to enhance system security and efficiency, and facilitate regional trading, clearing and settlement; (b) to explore the feasibility of establishing a Financial Institute to provide the manpower and expertise necessary for the growing and increasingly integrated development of banking, insurance and securities in Hong Kong; (c) to develop the information infrastructure necessary to propel Hong Kong into the 21st century through the establishment of an Information Infrastructure Co-ordination Office to co-ordinate existing activities and develop policy targets; (d) to study the idea of the business parks for service industries with special requirements, and eliminate over- regulation and to reduce further red tape; (e) to facilitate and encourage entrepreneurs to develop high-value added industries, and to leverage on the Mainland's technological and scientific strengths. We will study the feasibility of various options to help and facilitate the raising of capital in the market of technology-based companies; (f) to invest in human resources development, and re- examine the labour importation policy to meet genuine manpower shortage, on the one hand, and ensure priority employment of local workers, on the other. (g) to further develop the necessary infrastructure, to make our community that much more efficient as we move forward. We will maintain a stable economic environment through the linked exchange rate, prudential supervision of the financial markets, and the well-tried practice of prudent financial and monetary management. We will also give serious consideration to how we could make the best use of our financial reserves to investing in programmes which will pave the way for all of us. The re-unification of Hong Kong with China has opened up new opportunities. While maintaining our autonomy in trade, financial and economic matters, the Special Administrative Region Government will work with the Mainland to capitalise on our relative competitive advantages and maximise our mutual economic benefits. Hong Kong is strategically located to take advantage of, and contribute to, China's modernisation programme. Imagine the unlimited economic opportunities which will present themselves in the coming decades as China surely will become the world's largest economy. Where should international business community be located to take advantage of these opportunities? Where indeed, but right here in Hong Kong, the natural gateway to China. We will continue to provide a friendly business environment and a world-class service to backup international corporations doing businesses in Hong Kong and China. Proximity to China, the Chinese heritage, modern management style, and ability to speak English and Chinese have placed Hong Kong in the best position to provide the international business community with the people, the knowledge , the skill necessary to run successful business in China. Those of you who are living in Hong Kong already understand the secrets of Hong Kong's success. To those of you who are visiting us during this historic time, I urge you to return to Hong Kong, as frequently as you possibly can, to see for yourselves how we are doing, and to play a part in what will undoubtedly be the story of our continuing success. As we lift our sight above the horizon into the 21st century : - I see Hong Kong as a leading financial services centre; - I see Hong Kong remaining at the forefront of the new age with cutting-edge new industries; - I see a truly international and cosmopolitan city which combines the strengths of the east and the west; - I see Hong Kong, as a Special Administrative Region, making significant contributions to the modernisation of China and moving forward with China as she emerges as a leader among the community of nations of the world and - I see an increasingly affluent and well-educated population, proud of our Chinese heritage, confident in our destiny and global in outlook. This vision will guide the Special Administrative Region Government in the next five years. The international business community will have an active role to play in turning this vision into a reality; and I look forward to your continuous support in our joint endeavours. May I now invite you to join me in wishing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region a future of excellence and prosperity for all! End 6. Television news is not correct ****************************** A TV news programme reported today (Wednesday) that the Water Supplies Department had opened the crest gate of Shing Mun Reservoir to discharge the water because of heavy rains. "The information of the news was not correct," a spokesman for the Department said. "All impounding reservoirs in Hong Kong have spillways to let the extra water flow away naturally when the reservoir is full. Water is not discharged by opening crest gate." End



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