Chief Secretary for the Administration Donald Tsang said during the motion debate that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, led by the Chief Executive, has made great efforts to implement successfully the "one country, two systems" policy and promoted Hong Kong's development and prosperity.

"Our achievements have been seen by the world and are highly estimated by the Hong Kong people and the Central Government," Tsang added.

Councilor Tsang Yok Sing said those who oppose the Chief Executive without seeing the achievements of the government have their own political motives in mind, and their remarks that Tung's government "always misses the pace in taking measures" are not objective.

"The current battle against SARS is a proof that the government is effective and determined," he stressed.

Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung quoted the United States Hong Kong Policy Act Report of April 1, 2003 as saying, "There is strong respect for the rule of law and civil liberties. The rule of law and an independent judiciary remain pillars of Hong Kong's free and open society."

"Over the past six year, we have a well established legal system and a robust and independent judiciary. These underpin and control the good governance of Hong Kong, and guarantee that Hong Kong's freedoms will remain," Leung said.

The Chief Executive was not present at the meeting and will, according to a schedule, go to the council Thursday to speak on the administrative policy.

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2003)