Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council meeting today (January 10):
Reporter: How will the case be handled? Is there a possibility of legal procedures and legal prosecutions coming? Can the Government vow that Ms Cheng's case will be taken the same way anybody else's case will be treated?
Secretary for Development: On your last point, this is exactly what has been happening and what will happen. Cases concerning any individual, including famous individuals or government officials, will be handled by the Buildings Department in accordance with the relevant legal provisions and also relevant policy and practices. The only difference that we introduced back in 2011 is if (a case) includes an individual of certain sensitivity, the Buildings Department will deal with the case more expeditiously. Insofar as the relevant standards and legal provisions and procedures are concerned, they are entirely the same. And I have total confidence that the Buildings Department will continue to deal with the case impartially.
Reporter: Will there be legal prosecutions?
Secretary for Development: As regards the possibilities of further legal action including criminal actions, it would all depend on the progress of the investigation being undertaken by the Buildings Department, as well as the evidence. I would not think it is appropriate for me to make any speculations at this very stage.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:00
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