Speech by SCS at the National Day Reception
Following is the translation of the speech delivered by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Miss Denise Yue, at the Hong Kong civil service organisations' cocktail reception to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China today (September 19):
The Chief Executive, Mr Gao, distinguished guests, fellow colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to the cocktail reception to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China held by eight civil service organisations with the assistance of the Civil Service Bureau.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the reunification of Hong Kong with our motherland. Earlier on, President Hu Jintao, leading the Central Government's delegation, paid a visit to Hong Kong to join in the celebrations marking the anniversary. During his visit, President Hu called upon every sector in Hong Kong to treasure the favourable situation now and unremittingly uphold the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" and the Basic Law, support the administration of the HKSAR Government in accordance with the law, develop the economy, improve people's livelihoods and promote democracy, as well as maintain the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and work towards a harmonious society. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our country for the continuous support to the HKSAR Government and the commitment and affection for Hong Kong people.
Hong Kong is blessed with a clean and efficient civil service which, in different capacities, gives the Chief Executive full support in implementation of policies. Our civil servants are committed to serving Hong Kong with professionalism and striving for excellence to enhance the governance of Hong Kong.
The HKSAR Government has all along attached great importance to the training of civil servants, especially on their knowledge of our country and the Basic Law. To enhance civil servant's sense of national identity and their understanding of our country, the HKSAR Government will, under the leadership of the Chief Executive, continue to organise seminars on the Basic Law and national studies, arrange theme-based visits to and civil service exchange programmes with the Mainland, and improve our dedicated website on Mainland-related information and developments. I am confident that in future, our civil service colleagues will, with patriotism, professionalism and integrity, continue to work towards the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and the well being of our community.
Lastly, let us wish our country and Hong Kong continued prosperity and stability, our civil service colleagues every success in their work and all of you good health and happiness.
Thank you.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007