Remarks by ICAC Commissioner Raymond Wong Hung-chiu at Stand-up Session
2004-7-30
English translation of remarks by ICAC Commissiioner Mr Raymond Wong Hung-chiu at stand-up Session
First of all, I would like to stress once again that the ICAC has every respect for press freedom. We cherish the freedom of the press as much as anybody else does.
I know the Acting Commissioner had met a few media associations earlier today and the meetings were very constructive. We would seriously consider their suggestions and maintain communications with them.
Tomorrow, I will meet with representatives from the Newspapers Society of Hong Kong to listen to their views. Without affecting the investigations and the related legal proceedings, I will try my utmost to explain our actions to them.
I hope the public, including the press, will appreciate that the ICAC, as a law-enforcement agency, has the statutory duty to strictly uphold the rule of law. The present case involves allegations of very serious offences, which threaten to undermine the administration of justice and the safety of a witness.
At present, it is inappropriate for us to divulge details of the investigation. But I hope we could explain to the public in greater details in future when all legal proceedings have been completed and as far as the laws allow.
First of all, I would like to stress once again that the ICAC has every respect for press freedom. We cherish the freedom of the press as much as anybody else does.
I know the Acting Commissioner had met a few media associations earlier today and the meetings were very constructive. We would seriously consider their suggestions and maintain communications with them.
Tomorrow, I will meet with representatives from the Newspapers Society of Hong Kong to listen to their views. Without affecting the investigations and the related legal proceedings, I will try my utmost to explain our actions to them.
I hope the public, including the press, will appreciate that the ICAC, as a law-enforcement agency, has the statutory duty to strictly uphold the rule of law. The present case involves allegations of very serious offences, which threaten to undermine the administration of justice and the safety of a witness.
At present, it is inappropriate for us to divulge details of the investigation. But I hope we could explain to the public in greater details in future when all legal proceedings have been completed and as far as the laws allow.