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Following is a transcript (English portion) of the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph WP Wong, speaking to the media after attending the Legislative Council meeting this afternoon (July 12):
Reporter: Mr Wong, can you say a few words in English and respond to the PAC Report?
SCIT: We of course welcome the PAC's Report on RTHK in respect of the Audit's criticisms of a series of breaches of government regulations by RTHK in a number of cases. We will actively follow the recommendations made in the PAC Report. I wish to point out two things. First, the Internal Audit Team, which we set up in RTHK, has been operating smoothly, has done a lot of useful work, has received cooperation from RTHK staff. I hope that this Internal Audit Team will help RTHK to improve its system and to avoid further and future breaches of government regulations.
The second point I would like to make is that RTHK is due to give me a report explaining the circumstances leading to the breaches of various rules in specific cases and advise me whether any follow-up action is necessary, whether any person will be held responsible, and whether or not disciplinary proceeding should be undertaken. The report is due, as I say, before the end of this month. On receipt of the report, I and my colleagues in the bureau will examine it carefully and will take necessary action to follow up on the report.
Finally, I would like to add, I do hope that as a result of this most recent Audit Report, as a result of the PAC's recommendations, as a result of the commitment and determination which RTHK senior management has openly pledged in public, that the past mistakes and the past irregularities on the part of RTHK staff will be removed. And it is of course my earnest hope that RTHK will not feature in any Audit Report in future.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
Ends/Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:55
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