Following is the transcript of the remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at Kai Tak airport last evening:

Reporter: (on RTHK)

Mr Tung: Do I have to say that all again?

Reporter: yes, please.

Mr Tung: I do want to take this opportunity to clarify the issue about RTHK. Let me first of all state very enthetically that freedom of speech, freedom of information, are something we treasure and we regard very much. No body, can I insist that no body should doubt my or our entire government's determination in this respect. There has been discussion recently about the role of RTHK but this discussion is not new. It was here a few months ago, it was here before the return of Hong Kong. It's been here for a number of years already. We all know that and I am sure that this discussion will continue. I have heard many different opinions stated on this particular issue and I'll continue to listen to these opinions. There were opinions expressed in Beijing, personal views as to the future of RTHK. I think these are personal views. We should respect the rights of individuals to express personal views but they do not represent the views of the Central Government. I stated earlier on that during my visit to Beijing, I had the opportunity to meet the President, the Premier, Deputy Premier Zhu Rongji as well Deputy Premier Qian Qichen. And one of the subjects of discussion was their determination to make sure "one country, two systems" is solidly moving forward and they are very happy to see that it is solidly moving forward. RTHK is a Hong Kong issue and we'll deal about RTHK if there is any need in Hong Kong. Of course RTHK has editorial independence. I think what I would like to hope is that RTHK and all news media would want to report government policies fairly, justly, accurately so that people of Hong Kong can accurately understand what the government thinking is behind different policies. Having said that the government and I continue to welcome criticism from the news media, all suggestions from the news media, and I think the news media has played a very important role in Hong Kong in monitoring the activities of the government and I would hope very much that the news media would continue to do that. People have asked me whether RTHK is speaking on behalf of the people or should it speaks on behalf of the Government? I think this is an absurd question because government serves the people, and we are on the same side with the same interest. So certainly we want to express government policies through the news media, through the RTHK, and we will listen very carefully views expressed by the people, all criticism, all suggestions by all the people of Hong Kong through RTHK or other news media. Thank you.

Chief Executive's transcript (Chinese part)