Press Releases

Transcript of SCMA's remarks at media session

     Following is the transcript (English portion) of the remarks by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (July 25):

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: On the part of the Government, we have to solve this problem for Hong Kong and to ensure that the loophole is plugged. On the other hand, we will listen very closely to opinions expressed by the community in the course of the next two months while we undertake this two-month public consultation exercise.

     There have been a lot of questions asked about the constitutionality of the various options raised. So far as the Government is concerned, the proposal i.e. Option 2, which we have put forth, we have every confidence that this can withstand a test of judicial review, if such a review was brought before the court of Hong Kong.

     As regards the other three options, I think at this stage it is necessary for us to discuss these options thoroughly. Legal academics have expressed the view that these three other options, indeed all four options, do not have any readily available and observable conflict with the Basic Law. So I think it is very desirable for us to go through a thorough discussion in the course of the next two months. As far as the Government is concerned, we will consolidate the public views received on four kinds.

     Firstly, we will observe very closely all the public opinion polls conducted in the next while. Secondly, we will give a full account of the opinion papers and letters which we will receive during the consultation period. Thirdly, we will listen very closely to the opinions of different sectors and professional bodies and fourthly, of course, we will assess very carefully the support or otherwise among Legislators for whatever proposal which we eventually will put forth. Thank you very much.

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

Ends/Monday, July 25, 2011