Transcript of CS's media session
Following is the transcript of the remarks (English) made to the media by the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, after attending the International Women's Forum 1996 Global Conference this (Friday) afternoon:
CS: I was expressing great shock at the incident involving Mr Leung. I know that the entire journalist profession and newspaper profession are equally concerned about this. Of course, the Administration is clearly concerned that this sort of violence should The take place in a civilised society; we condemn this sort of behaviour. Commissioner of Police has already set up a special task force and it will be his top priority to apprehend those involved as soon as possible. In the meantime, I do wish to extend to Mr Leung and to his family our deepest sympathy and our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Mr Leung had undergone a very very long operation yesterday, but as far as we know he is resting and we hope that the operation will be a success. In the meantime, if Mr Leung and his family require any help in the way of assistance, in the way of help for the family, we will of course be very happy to consider it.
End
Legislative proposals to improve workers' benefits
The Government today (Friday) proposed a package of improvements consisting of 15 items to enhance employees rights and benefits under the Employment Ordinance.
Two bills to amend the Employment Ordinance to this effect in respect of maternity protection, long service payment, definition of wages, wage protection, and end-of-year payment were gazetted today (Friday). They will be introduced into the Legislative Council on May 29.
The bills have been drawn up to give effect to the results of several reviews the Government has recently completed of the statutory employees' rights and benefits concerned under the Employment Ordinance.
Introducing the bills at a press conference this afternoon, the Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said it was the Government's policy to improve employees' benefits in a way commensurate with the pace of Hong Kong's social and economic development.