Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Ronald Chan, at a media session this afternoon (May 18):

Reporter: Why did you make such a decision?

Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: I have been making plans for my further education since the middle of last year. I informed the Chief Executive's Office yesterday that in order for me to attend my academic programme at the end of June, I would have to leave the Government slightly before my term of office is contractually set to expire. I think it's a good opportunity for me to make public my plan.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Thursday, May 18, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:00

NNNN