Question: This week's speculation is to the haste in which Mr So decided to retire, the fact that no replacement was named immediately, can you explain the reason for that?
Governor: Mr So has been going to retire. as I said for sometime It is not unusual for somebody's retirement to be announced before a replacement is named, particularly in the case of somebody whs not retiring until the autumn. But Mr So thought that yesterday was a sensible time to announce his retirement. One more.
Question: Mr So Kwok-wing said this morning that his report is not meant for reading we should remain by the governor or by Mrs Anson Chan. so does that mean .. independent,does that mean the report from now on would not be read by you, or you will not.....
Governor: You must understand what the situation is. COMAC is independent, has always been independent, and will always be independent I don't see his reports before they are published The Chief Secretary doesn't see his reports before they are published, nor would we ever seek to do so. It is exceptionally important that the Commissioner operates independently as a check on government and that's we are absolutely determined he will continue to do. And any suggestion to the contrary is totally, a 100 per cent without foundation. I hope that is clear. totally and a 100 per cent without foundation Thank you very much
End/Thursday, March 23. 1995
SES on mandatory provident fund scheme
The Secretary for Financial Services. Mr Michael Cartland, today (Thursday) urged employers and the insurance and trust management industries to co-operate with the Government to make the mandatory provident fund (MPF) system work effectively.
Speaking at a luncheon meeting of the Po Leung Kuk Directors. Mr Cartland said the Government aimed to have the law for the MPF in place within the current legislative session.
"The Government will certainly take into account the views of the public. legislators and the Chinese authorities in the proces
"The result should be the development of a system which would enable employees to retire in dignity in a manner consistent with the independent self-reliant traditions which have served Hong Kong so well." he said.