Transcript of acting Governor's media session
Following is the transcript of the remarks (English) made to reporters by the acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, after attending the Dress Casual Day 1996 Launching Ceremony this (Friday) afternoon:
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Acting Governor: I want first of all just to extend through you my warmest congratulations to Mr Ben Cheung and other members of the Paralympic Team for their outstanding success at the Paralympic Games these last few days, particularly to congratulate Mr Ben Cheung on obtaining four gold medals. I think everyone in Hong Kong is extremely proud of their achievements. And I think taken together with the outstanding results achieved by the other Olympic Team - Ms Lee Lai-shan and the others this can be said to be an outstanding year for Hong Kong insofar as our participation in international sporting activities is concerned. After consulting with the Physically Handicapped Sports Association and also taking into account the wishes of the individual members of the team, we have made appropriate arrangements for the team to be warmly received back when they return next Tuesday. We will be facilitating their immigration and customs clearance and also making it easy for them to meet with members of the media. And the Governor will be delighted to host a reception for the returning team as well as for the Olympic Team when he himself returns and this reception will take place on the fourth of September.
Question: Are you worried that the case of Judge Caird would affect the confidence of Hong Kong people towards the independence of the judiciary?
Acting Governor: I can well understand the concern of the community, but as you all know the judiciary is totally independent of the administration so it is not for me to comment. But you will also have seen from the statement by the Chief Justice that he is equally concerned about this matter. He has instructed that an internal investigation should be carried out. And I'm sure he will consider appropriate statements following the completion of that investigation. In the meantime of course the trial continues and it is sub judice to comment.
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