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2.
In the last twenty years, I have been privileged to have been involved in Hong Kong's public life, in education, in health services, in trade promotion and as well as in LegCo and ExCo. As I step down, I think I should like to make two points. First, it is worthwhile and rewarding to participate in public life. You can make a difference. And second, I have met so many people from every walk of life in these last twenty years and it has been tremendously inspiring and humbling for me. I have seen how adaptable, resilient, determined and sensible Hong Kong people are in good times and in bad times. I have absolutely no doubt that these qualities will continue to carry this remarkable community from strength to strength. And wherever I am, I shall be rooting for Hong Kong.
End/Tuesday, July 25, 1995
Statement by SHA to LegCo Information Policy Panel meeting
Following is a statement by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, to a meeting of the Information Policy Panel of the Legislative Council today (Tuesday):
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression is vital to a free society which is why it is one of the most important rights protected and guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.
The Government is committed to maintaining an environment in Hong Kong in which a free and active press can operate under the minimum of regulation - regulation which does not fetter freedom of expression or editorial independence.
With the passage of the Bill of Rights Ordinance, we undertook to carry out a comprehensive review of existing laws which may affect press freedom or freedom of expression and have taken steps to repeal and amend those laws which are either obsolete or may threaten freedom of expression.
Since 1992, the Government has examined 53 separate provisions in 27 Ordinances. By the end of this LegCo session, we will have completed action on 43 of these provisions - 31 amended or repealed and 12 left unaltered. Substantial progress has been made.