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Transcript of Governor's media session
Following is the transcript of the media session given by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, after officiating at the opening of the Castle Peak Hospital Redevelopment this (Friday) afternoon:
Governor: I'm very pleased to have been here today to this opening. I think that this is a sign of our commitment to improving services for the mentally ill. We've made a terrific start here with the great assistance of the Jockey Club and I'll look forward to the redevelopment of the rest of the hospital in due course.
Question: Governor, Mr C H Tung has announced he is actively proceeding on his bid for the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive. What is your reaction to that?
Governor: The question of the selection of the Chief Executive (designate) isn't a matter for me and it would be wrong for me to comment on any candidate, so if you'll excuse me I won't say anything at all. I'm sure that Hong Kong would like to see a Chief Executive (Designate) selected who will represent them and their interests to the best of his or her abilities.
Question: How do you comment on his personality and his ability?
Governor: I can't do that. You'll know very well that I was very anxious to encourage him to become a member of my Executive Council back in 1992, which I think speaks for my recognition of his abilities, but I don't wish to say more than that.
Question: Do you ever concern that the business background of C H Tung is an obstacle to being the Chief Executive?
Governor: I don't want to comment on any of the arguments surrounding the candidates. I'm sure you realise that it would be entirely inappropriate for me to do so.
Question: Mr Governor, ... criticised that the Government let an ExCo member to be a nominee at the Selection Committee is a double standard because the Government do not let a certain group of civil servants join the Selection Committee. Do you agree with that?
Governor: No, of course I don't. I set out my views on the subject yesterday in some detail but on the specific point that you've raised, there's a difference between the civil service and the Executive Council which is an advisory body to the Governor.