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In response to media reports today (September 2) on the arrangements regarding the open forums on the arrangements for filling vacancies in the Legislative Council, a spokesman for the Home Affairs Department said:
The Government organised two open forums to listen to public views on the arrangements for filling vacancies in the Legislative Council. Those interested could register and reserve seats through a hotline. According to procedures, those who had reserved seats would be admitted first after confirmation of their identity. If seats were still available after registered individuals were admitted, staff at the venue would try their best to arrange entry for those queueing for admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Following admission, those participants who wished to express their views at the forums were simply required to drop a sign-up sheet into a collection box. The moderator would then invite attendees to speak by ballot drawing on the stage. The process was fair, open and just, with no individual opinions pre-screened. All participants had an equal chance to express their views. At the forum held yesterday, participants with different opinions had the chance to voice their opinions.
Ends/Friday, September 2, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:30
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