Press Releases

     Following is the transcript (English portion) of the remarks to the media made by the Acting Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Stephen Lam, after taking part in the official draw for the Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2010 this evening (February 18):

     We are undergoing the final stages of a three-month public consultation period on the 2012 constitutional development package. At this stage, we welcome views from all sides. But in response to the views expressed by Mrs Anson Chan today, I have two particular points to make.
    
     Firstly, I hope no one will misinterpret the views expressed by the Chief Executive earlier. At no point in time did the Chief Executive apply any pressure or make any suggestion to Principal Officials or individual civil servants not to vote on the by-election day. As in every election, it is entirely up to colleagues of the Government, including Principal Officials and individual civil servants, whether they wish to take part in the by-election and whether they wish to cast a vote.

     Secondly, I would also like to make it clear that, according to the proposals we have made for 2012, over 400 directly elected District Councillors will elect from amongst themselves six legislators for the 2012 Legislative Council. We will need to amend local legislation, the Legislative Council Ordinance, to put this into place. Therefore, by November 2011 when voters go to cast their ballots for selecting over 400 District Councillors, they know full well that they are electing these District Councillors to serve them on the District Councils and also to select from amongst themselves six legislators. So, the constitutional and legislative basis will be abundantly clear.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Thursday, February 18, 2010

Acting CS officiates at the HK Sevens 2010 Official Draw

The Acting Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Stephen Lam, officiates at the Official Draw for Hong Kong Sevens 2010 this evening (February 18). Organised by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, the tournament will take place between March 26 and 28 at the Hong Kong Stadium.