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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, congratulated Mr Lau Ip-keung for being elected today (June 1) as the Chairman of the 34th term of the Heung Yee Kuk, and Mr Cheung Hok-ming and Mr Lam Wai-keung for being re-elected as Vice-chairmen. The four-year term of office starts with immediate effect and will continue until May 31, 2019.
Mr Tsang said, "I anticipate that under the new leadership, the Heung Yee Kuk will continue to unite the rural communities and further the development of the New Territories."
Mr Tsang also expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Chairman, Dr Lau Wong-fat, for his tremendous contributions in leading the Heung Yee Kuk and actively promoting the development of the New Territories. Dr Lau had been Heung Yee Kuk Chairman since 1980 and was a member of the Executive Council. He is also a member of the Legislative Council and has held a number of public service positions. During his tenure, he has been strongly dedicated to Hong Kong affairs and the prosperity and stability of the community, fully demonstrating his commitment towards the development of the New Territories and Hong Kong.
Established under the Heung Yee Kuk Ordinance (Cap. 1097), the Heung Yee Kuk serves as an important advisory body to the Government on New Territories affairs. Elections of the Heung Yee Kuk Chairman and Vice-chairmen are conducted by the Home Affairs Department pursuant to the Heung Yee Kuk Ordinance. The new four-year term of office starts on June 1, 2015.
Ends/Monday, June 1, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:46
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