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Transcript of remarks by acting Governor
Following is the transcript of the remarks (English) made to reporters by the acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, after visiting the Junior Police Call Camp in Sai Kung this (Thursday) afternoon:
Question: Mrs Chan, what do you think of Lo Tak-shing's article saying the Governor had damaged Hong Kong and set up obstacles for the SAR Government?
Acting Governor: I think Hong Kong people are well labelled to distinguish between facts and myths and distortions and propaganda. We're at a critical stage of our transition and I think what we most need at this stage is for Hong Kong people to stand united, to defend our autonomy and to co-operate and work together to achieve a smooth transition. The facts are that we have an economy that continues to grow; we have a civil service that is highly regarded and supported by the community and recognised world-wide as an extremely efficient civil service. Despite all the challenges and uncertainties that civil servants face, morale is remarkably high and we will continue to do our best to respond to community needs and to work towards faithful implementation of the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. That is not only the wish of the Governor; it is my wish and it is the wish of all senior officials and other members of the civil service. The facts also are that we have very strong reserves, so there is no question that we are recklessly spending our reserves. Our financial management principles and operations are well-known and very prudent and we intend to continue to adhere to these principles. So all told, I think things are coming along remarkably well even though from time to time there are difficulties. But provided all parties concerned work together for the common cause and good of Hong Kong, I'm sure we will all succeed.
End
Refinements to New Territories land resumption system
The Government has completed a review of the ex-gratia zonal compensation system for land resumption in the New Territories and recommends some refinements to the system, which in general has been working satisfactorily.
One of the recommendations put forward by a Lands Department working group set up to review the system is that the definition of Zone A in the system should be refined to cover areas affected by essential projects with territory-wide significance.