Remarks by CE at media session before ExCo (with video)
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Following are the remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council conference today (April 21):
Press reporter: Good early morning, Chief Executive. Concern on basketball wagering: Is there a schedule to advance basketball wagering following the evaluation of the forecast market and whether such a policy U-turn suggests an absence of extensive preparation in policy making, and whether such a relocation is to line up Beijing’s efforts to split down on betting activities? And 2nd concern on Wang Fuk Court: Residents are returning home. Will the Government supply more versatility and assistance, considered that we see some cases of citizens ending up being weak after climbing up stairs, and how would the authorities follow up the believed theft cases in the blocks and resolve the issues of the citizens? Thank you.
President: The Government’s recognized policy is not to motivate gaming. When the Government carries out the Gambling Ordinance or its associated policies, it is proper for the accountable bureau, which is the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), to frequently examine the circumstance. If they have actually discovered threats they wish to attend to so regarding guarantee that the threats will be effectively alleviated, then it is necessary that they believe completely before they continue even more, so regarding make sure that all these dangers are effectively managed. I believe that is a best technique, and it is likewise best to be mindful, due to the fact that we never ever motivate betting, and we will just do it if we, after evaluating all the dangers, consider it is truly worth it; if we are not specific it deserves it, then it is much better that we do not continue before we are specific.
The quick development of the forecast market is actually beyond any person’s expectation, if you take a look at it just from the betting perspective. It is more than betting; it is to do with a lot of speculation that often makes usage of virtual possessions. We need to be really sure how it will affect the gaming scene in Hong Kong. The development in 2 years – if you simply take a look at the figures – is 130 times, which is an extremely fast lane of development. That rate is likewise growing. We will be seeing its market growing at such a scale that if we do not seriously take a look at the threats they will produce, I do not believe it is an ideal thing for the bureau to simply blindly go on with what has actually been recommended. The forecast market covers various kinds of activities, and data show that 40 per cent cover sports occasions. It is a stressing pattern. I support the HYAB to seriously take a look at the dangers and ensure that they resolve the threats properly before they continue any additional.
The other thing I have actually kept in mind is the Hong Kong Jockey Club has actually been doing effectively in providing legal betting in locations such as horse racing, football wagering and likewise Mark Six. They have actually been doing it extremely well and, at the exact same time, have actually been dedicating a great deal of resources to neighborhood and charitable activities. I acknowledge their contributions, and I identify their efforts. I am positive that they will continue to run the existing legal betting operations well and likewise stay totally dedicated to committing resources to social and charity activities.
In regard to the plans that we are producing the households of Wang Fuk Court to return to their homes to gather their possessions, especially things that imply a lot to them, I believe the other day’s plans went really efficiently. It was performed in an organized way, and it was carried out without genuine concerns, and it was carried out with numerous crucial concepts in mind, that include security, orderliness and empathy. I am really relieved to see that the 1 000 authorities that we have actually released were all doing their task with complete regard to the concepts and factors to consider that I have actually pointed out, and they have actually willingly done a great deal of additional things to make sure that the interests and conditions of the households who increased the other day were well looked after. I have actually spoken with some who were associated with the plans, when they were talked to by the media, by television, that they really thought about the plans were assisting them. I was likewise really relieved to understand that some members undoubtedly got what they had actually been wishing to discover, and some even got some surprises, which was assuring. We will continue to keep track of the plans and, if there’s anything we can do much better, then naturally we will consider them. 2 things that we will do are, first off, making the location for individuals to place on their equipment bigger, so that it will be less congested and easier. The 2nd thing: We will install awnings in case it will be drizzling at a long time. Any more plans that will assist individuals worried, especially from the angle of security, orderliness and empathy, we will do our finest to assist.
Obviously, individuals need to truly consider their own conditions when they consider returning to their locations, due to the fact that there are no lifts; they certainly need to stroll up high floorings and staircases. They need to evaluate whether they can do it, and if they are actually identified to do it, they need to do it in their own method. We are really ready to assist, and we have actually set up medical help at any time. We have actually likewise scheduled medical psychologists to assist any person who believes our services are required. We do anything we can to guarantee that things actually fulfill the needs of individuals included.
Yes, there were a number of reports about home not being discovered. 8 of them have actually been solved, with 4 cases where the home was recuperated, and another 4 in which the homeowners, after believing more about it, thought about that the residential or commercial property worried may have been burnt. The staying 3 will be examined by the Police. Naturally, they are really expert in this location; I will leave the examination to them.
Today we will begin the 2nd day of the plans. I understand that another 10 floorings will be open for locals to increase to. They are greater floorings. The very first day was listed below the 10th flooring. Now it’s above the 10th flooring. We will do our finest to help those who require our help, and we will be proactively providing our help anywhere we can. Thank you.
(Please likewise describe the Chinese part of the remarks.)