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Transcript of CS's media session

Following is the transcript (English) of the media session given by the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, at the Central Government Offices today (Saturday):

CS: Good afternoon everyone. I leave for Australia this evening to begin a one-week promotion tour of Australia. I shall be visiting Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. This will be our first Hong Kong promotion in Australia and one of the main purposes of the visit would be to open our new Economic and Trade Office in Sydney. This building will house not only the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, but will also house the Trade Development Council office and also an office of the Hong Kong Tourists Association.

During my visit, I hope to meet with senior government officials, Australian politicians and leading members of the Australian business community. As part of our activities, we will also be bringing a taste of Hong Kong cuisine and an introduction of Hong Kong culture. I will be returning on Sunday week.

Question: Up to now, some people run for competitions for the post of Chief Executive Hong Kong. You've won very high reputation of Hong Kong people. The opinions say that you are the most representative of Hong Kong people. So do you intend to run for competitions for Chief Executive?

CS: I'm very grateful and extremely encouraged by the degree of support that the community of Hong Kong has given me. But my answer to this question has always been and will always be that I hope very much that if circumstances permit that I will be able to continue to work for the people of Hong Kong after 1997.

Question:

the specific question this gentleman asked about the Chief Executive ... Tung Chee-hwa came out recently to end speculations about himself. Do you think it's time that you came out to end speculations ...?

CS: I refer to the answer I gave just now. I do wish to be able to continue to serve with the Hong Kong Government after 1997. And I would be delighted if that will happen after 1997. The selection of the Chief Executive is of course a responsibility of the Selection Committee and it is not for me to say who will be the Chief Executive after 1997. But I think the entire community and the civil service are looking for a Chief Executive who has clearly demonstrated leadership qualities, who will defend and stand up for Hong Kong's autonomy and for Hong Kong's interests, and who will be a person acceptable to the community of Hong Kong and respected and supported by the civil service.