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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, at a media session today (April 26) at the Central Government Offices after meeting with some families of the deceased in the vessel collision incident near Lamma Island in 2012:
Secretary for Transport and Housing: Just then, at the request of (Legislative Council Member) Mr James To and some members of the families of the victims of the Lamma Island incident, I had a meeting with them for over one hour. At the meeting, I once again explained the Government's considerations, particularly the legal considerations based on the advice of the Department of Justice, including the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions on the matter of public disclosure of the internal investigation report. The main consideration of course is that we must manage well the risk of any such public disclosure to the current criminal investigation and possible criminal proceedings to be brought about. Of course the families have expressed very clearly that they would like to see as many details as possible from this report and as quickly as possible. We tried to explain the criminal investigation considerations but I also said I understand fully their concern and that I would discuss with the Secretary for Justice as to their concern.
Reporter: Professor Cheung, do you think under confidentiality agreement, the families will be able to read more details or at least the full report?
Secretary for Transport and Housing: Some families indeed have suggested whether it would be possible for them to look at the report on condition of signing some sort of declaration on confidentiality or even for such declaration to carry criminal liability. Of course whatever suggestion that is put forward, the ultimate consideration is whether or not any such disclosure might bring a serious risk to the ongoing investigation as well as possible criminal proceedings. So I said as the Secretary for Transport and Housing, I am not in the position to provide such legal response. But I said I would bring their suggestions to the Department of Justice.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, April 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:20
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