| Transcript of remarks by SCMA on National Anthem Bill |
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Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, on the National Anthem Bill at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (January 26): Reporter: Have you discussed with any international schools about the proposed law as they will also be covered? Any of them expressed concerns about the matter? Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: The Education Bureau has got in touch and discussed with the international schools and they will continue to do so. I understand the international schools basically understand the requirements (under the National Anthem Bill) and the Education Bureau will continue to follow up and to provide the necessary support. Under the National Anthem Bill, the Secretary for Education will issue directions for inclusion of the national anthem in primary education and in secondary education. I don't think the international schools will have major difficulties in doing that because the international schools themselves embrace diversity and respect for the signs and symbols of other countries. We will follow up on that. The actual implementation will be school-based and rely on the expertise and professional judgements of the schools and teachers. If they have any problem, the Education Bureau will provide them with all the necessary support. (Please also refer to the Chinese part of the transcript.) Ends/Saturday, January 26, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:41 NNNN
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