Transcript of SCA's standup briefing
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Following is the transcript (English portion) of a standup briefing given by the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, today (March 11):
Reporter: (On the effectiveness of the accountability system)
SCA: Actually, ever since the introduction of the accountability system, I think members of the public will have noticed that the Secretaries of the Government are very alert to public opinion - opinions expressed by the media and in the Legislature. We do try our best to respond as soon as we can according to circumstances and issues of the day. The Financial Secretary has already made known his position. At this stage, I do not have anything in particular to add in this case.
But what I can mention is that when we introduced the accountability system last July, in the months which followed we had very detailed discussions with Legislative Councillors concerning the system for the declaration of interests. At that time, I undertook that we would conduct a review after implementation of the system for 12 months. In conducting this review, I would also take into account the experience which we have gathered for today following the incident which has happened recently. And I would see whether the Code of Conduct for Principal Officials need to be updated to take account of our experience.
Reporter: What Mr Leung has done could well be considered as insider trading in the private sector. Do you think that something should be done....
SCA: All I would say is that the Chief Executive has already
expressed his views on the matter yesterday. For today, I have nothing to add.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion.)
End/Tuesday, March 11, 2003
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