Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting
13.2.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (February 13): Reporter: Mrs Lam, what do you make of this comparison between the situation of Teresa Cheng and Mr Wong (Kwai-huen) then? And about the car crash, wouldn't it be more appropriate if we also cancel the New Year Parade? And did President Xi ask you to handle the problem promptly? Chief Executive: Well, there are three questions. First is, as far as President Xi Jinping's concern about this very tragic incident, on the night when this incident happened, the Central Authorities have already, of course, through the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office relayed their concern and asked about what they could help. So they have always been very concerned about major incidents happening in Hong Kong. Yesterday, through the Central People's Government's Liaison Office, Director Wang Zhimin, the President's concern and condolences and sympathies to the affected families were directly conveyed to me, and of course, I will find an opportunity to convey them to the affected families - and that sympathy and condolences were also sent to us from the Premier, Mr Li Keqiang, and Chairman Mr Zhang Dejiang of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee. There have not been any specific instructions on how the Government or myself should handle this issue because it's really an internal affair happening in Hong Kong which I think we have demonstrated the needed capacity and decision-making ability to tackle this issue. And I noticed that President Xi has sort of affirmed the necessary actions that we have taken so far. As far as other major events to celebrate the Chinese New Year, apart from the cancellation of the Lunar New Year fireworks, I feel that we have to strike the right balance. The only other event that I have heard, but not a very strong request like the fireworks display, is this parade on the first day of the Chinese New Year. I noticed that the Hong Kong Tourism Board has already notified that they would continue to host this event because it's an international event targeting mainly tourists as well as performers coming from abroad - there will be more than 10 such performing groups coming from the Mainland and other countries to take part. So I feel the balance is a right one to continue to host this parade. But in line with what I have said, the Principal Officials will be as low key as possible in attending some of these events. I have told the Hong Kong Tourism Board that I will not attend and speak at the parade, which originally was a plan. And the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development will represent the Hong Kong SAR Government to welcome tourists on that particular occasion. About the decision of resignation made by the former Communications Authority Chairman, Mr Huen Wong, I received his resignation last Friday and understood circumstances and respected his decision, but I think the case is not entirely the same as the case with the Secretary for Justice and I hope the people will understand. Thank you very much. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, February 13, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:40 NNNN