Following is the English translation of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the spring reception hosted by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr David Lan:

Mr and Mrs Lan, Mr Lui, ladies and gentlemen,

My wife and I have much pleasure to join you here in celebrating the Spring Festival. First of all, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you every success in the coming year.

This year is the Year of the Tiger. "Tiger" is a symbol of quick response, sharp judgement and strong vitality. All of these fine attributes vividly describe the people of Hong Kong. I am confident that with these remarkable qualities, the whole community will be able to overcome the recent setbacks and difficulties, and work for a prosperous future.

1998 is an important year for Hong Kong. In May, we shall be holding our first Legislative Council election since our reunification with the motherland. This election is not only testimony to the progressive development of Hong Kong's political system, but also an opportune moment for us to demonstrate to the whole world that we are fully committed to implementing successfully the concept of "Hong Kong people running Hong Kong". I hope that you will all keep up the enthusiasm and vigour that have motivated you in the recent voter registration exercise and devote your efforts, through your connections with a wide cross-section of the community, to raising the awareness of Hong Kong citizens as to their rights and obligations and encouraging them to turn up at the polls.

The recent outbreak of a series of fatal blazes has caused deaths, injuries and loss of properties to our community and exposed fire hazards in ageing multi-storey buildings. Human lives are most precious. We cannot tolerate a repeat of the fires that could have been prevented in the first place, and will do our utmost to minimize the casualties. This is the responsibility of the owners and tenants of the buildings, and of the government as well. In the interests of the general public, I would like to call on the community leaders to promote fire prevention campaigns in your districts so as to instil into everyone in your neighbourhood and all your friends an awareness of the importance of fire prevention, and to spare no efforts in taking precautions for the sake of yourselves, your families and your neighbours. The government will also expedite the implementation of the series of fire prevention measures announced recently. In the long run, accelerating the redevelopment of the obsolete areas is the ultimate solution.

Over the years, Hong Kong's population has expanded rapidly and our economy has been developing at a tremendous pace. While bringing about our prosperity, they also give rise to a number of public health problems which require immediate solutions. The recent cases of "bird flu" and cholera underline the need for the community and the government to be on the alert at all times, and pay attention to personal and environmental hygiene, so that all of us can have a clean environment to work and live in. The government will, through civic education, encourage people to start with attending to their personal hygiene and health, and then participate actively in other city-cleaning activities.

We are concerned about the safety of the public. Hong Kong is not only a modernized city, but also a caring society. Let us work hand in hand to increase our awareness of the importance of fire prevention and hygiene, and unite our efforts to remove the potential hazards, so that Hong Kong will become a safer and cleaner modern metropolis.

I know that all the guests present today are enthusiastic about serving the community. I would like to express my deep gratitude to you all. Hong Kong is our home. Let us work together for a better home.

Once again, my wife and I wish you every success and good health in the Year of the Tiger.