A government spokesman made the remarks in response to press inquiries on the speech made by the Chairman of the Bar Association Alan Leong at the Opening of the Legal Year Monday.

The spokesman said, "the government notes with regret that Leong took the occasion of the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year to launch an attack on the way the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has handled a number of legal issues.

He said, some of Leong's comments were sweeping and exaggerated in nature and might give the impression that the rule of law is not observed in Hong Kong and that there is no judicial autonomy. Nothing could be further from the truth, the spokesman stressed.

On the right of abode issues, the spokesman said, contrary to what Leong alleged, Hong Kong did not "sacrifice social harmony and judicial autonomy" in resolving right of abode issues.

In relation to the consultation exercise on Article 23 of the Basic Law, Leong alleged that the government has adopted a paternalistic and highly defensive attitude. He objected to the fact that the government rallied support for its position, although he presumably considers it was acceptable for him to rally opposition to the proposals, the spokesman said.

Contrary to what Leong alleged, over 250 discussion sessions were held with interested groups, and government officials attended no fewer than 11 meetings at the Legislative Council on the issue, the spokesman added.

(Xinhua News Agency January 13, 2003)