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On public accountability, she said, "The people of Hong Kong have always been very ready to criticise their government whenever the services we provide are not up to the mark. Our press is one of the most vigorous and outspoken in the world."
She added that the Legislative Councillors made full use of their right to question the Government on its policies, examined its legislative proposals and applications for funds and monitor their implementation.
Mrs Chan said these three factors were closely interrelated.
"It is difficult, for example, to ensure that you have a level playing field if the Government cannot be held accountable - either publicly or in a court of law for the decisions it makes," she said.
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"And without press freedom, and a properly representative legislature. it's much more difficult to ensure that the rule of law is upheld."
End
FS to embark on visit to strengthen business partnership
The Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, will embark on his nine-day visit to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok tomorrow (Tuesday).
As the leader of a 62-strong delegation comprising representatives from both the public and private sectors, Mr Tsang said the aim of the visit was to strengthen business ties among APEC participants and identify opportunities for building a strategic business partnership with them.
The delegation comprises senior government officials, prominent local businessmen and representatives of the Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA), as well as over 30 members of the five professional bodies, namely the Association of Consulting Engineering of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Construction Association, the Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Contractors' Association, the Hong Kong Institute of Architects and the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.