Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting (with video)
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Reporter: Also on the Typhoon Signal No. 9, apart from the lack of MTR services, there were taxis that were overcharging, apparently not legally, and there were also reports that the Government had actually planned to arrange tourist coaches to send these airport passengers out of the airport but they refused that request. Of course there were no contingency plans, but do you feel that maybe the transport sector were not very responsive to that emergency situation? Also on the Hong Kong University Council, they have initiated this task force to look into the accusations against the Vice-Chancellor. Are you confident in that outcome that they can handle this matter themselves without hurting their reputation given that with the Council there was obviously quite a bit of tension within it? Thank you.
Chief Executive: In regard to the transportation problem that has arisen in the recent incident when Typhoon Signal No. 8 was raised to No. 9, I have already indicated that we will have to look at the situation and think of a better way of handling it. Obviously, based on past experiences, MTRC (MTR Corporation) has contingency plan in regard to what should happen and what should not happen during Typhoon Signal No. 9. I have asked the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) to examine this together with MTRC and the Airport Authority, as well as the transportation sector. What I hope to achieve is a contingency plan which will deal with extreme situation involving need for emergency transportation. I shall ask TLB to look at this very quickly, so that we will have a contingency plan to deal with that.
As regards the investigation that will be conducted by the Hong Kong University in relation to allegations against the Vice-Chancellor, I think it is important for people to know that it will be in everybody's interests that they'll do a thorough investigation that will be based on facts, and the whole matter should be handled in a fair and impartial manner. And I trust that if anything that is done based on facts, then self-speculation or otherwise accusations which are based on individual feelings will not help the whole matter. I have confidence that the Hong Kong University can deal with this matter as an internal university management matter. And I note that there will be an independent investigation to be conducted by a team (with independent non-Council members) as appointed by the Council, and this team must do the investigation based on facts, and facts are facts. Facts mean that there will be evidence to support what has been found out what has happened. I trust that the investigation will come up with all these facts so that there will be a good conclusion of what really has happened.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Issued at HKT 13:02
Issued at HKT 13:02
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Audio / Video
CE meets the media