The Hong Kong community as a whole, including the Executive Council, has given unanimous support for the extension of the Chief Secretary's service in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government.

The Chief Executive, Mr. Tung Chee Hwa, yesterday announced that he had invited Mrs. Chan to continue serving the SAR Government until June 30, 2002, and that she had accepted the invitation.

"It has always been my thinking that we should maintain stability at the top echelon of the HKSAR Government, so that we can keep a consistent direction for Hong Kong's future developments, Mr. Tung said.

"Therefore, I had determined from the very outset that, unless there were exceptional circumstances, I would invite the Chief Secretary to serve for the five year term of my office as Chief Executive.

"I know my decision is supported by the Executive Council, by all the principal officials, and I know will be by all the civil servants. I believe this decision will also be welcomed by the community as a whole."

In agreeing to stay on, Mrs. Chan said: "I feel that the CE and I both have a great commitment to the people of Hong Kong and to the SAR, and if Mr. Tung feels that my continued presence would assist him in his work, then I am delighted to accept his invitation to stay on."

The Convenor of the Executive Council, Dr. Chung Sze-yuen, said all the non-official members of the Council unanimously supported the decision of Mr. Tung.

"The decision will undoubtedly provide the much needed continuity and stability to the top echelon of the civil service. It will send a positive message to both Hong Kong people and overseas investors that the HKSAR Government is determined to strive for the best interest of Hong Kong and work towards a prosperous and stable future."

For further information please contact Chief Information Officer, Frank Chuan at telephone no. (416) 924-5544.

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