Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (June 25):

Reporter: Mr Lai, about the ID card issue for the media personnel, 10 years ago when President Hu Jintao came, the journalists were not required to give out their ID card numbers to the Police or whoever to register. Why is there a change, why is there a need for this 20th Anniversary?    

Secretary for Security: For documentation requirement, I think we cannot say that previously what were the requirements, and now what are the new requirements. All the requirements are set out because of the relevant authorities consider that there is a need to obtain certain information to ensure that they can handle these applications smoothly and efficiently.      

Reporter: ……is it the Hong Kong authorities or Mainland authorities? 

Secretary for Security: All celebration activities are handled by the HKSAR Government. 

Reporter: Would it be proportionate if residents in Wan Chai to be asked to give out their ID card ……? 

Secretary for Security: I cannot answer this question for you because it is an operation problem and I have no idea whether the Police will take any kind of measures.  

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

Ends/Sunday, June 25, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:30

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