|
Publications and Press Releases :
Press Release
: News Archives
FS speaks on public consultation on tax reform
(with photo)
*********************************************************************
Following is the transcript
of remarks (English portion) by the Financial Secretary, Mr Henry
Tang, after attending a radio programme this morning (July 22):
Reporter: How do you respond to Mr
Chris Patten's comment yesterday on Goods and Services Tax?
Financial Secretary: First of all,
in Mr Chris Patten's first book, "East and West", he said
that Hong Kong is a very interesting place where you can increase
spending in welfare, cut taxes and have a substantial fiscal surplus.
Actually, what he said is against economic principles. So we can
see that after he had left, we suffered through Asia Financial Crisis
for many years. I don't think any economies, let alone Hong Kong,
does not have to follow economic principles. The economic principle
is very simple ¡V that you live within your means. It is important
that we take a view on how to stablise government revenue so that
our commitment in expenditure can be assured.
Reporter: In a society with universal
suffrage, would it be easier for the discussion to be brought up?
Financial Secretary: I have confident
that Hong Kong people knows very well how to run Hong Kong. I would
say that Hong Kong actually has learnt a lot in democratic election
since 1991. Don't forget that 1991 is the first year where we have
directly elected Legislative Council (LegCo) members. Hong Kong
people are very smart and we are fully capable of following a fast
learning curve in both democracy and the rights and privileges of
being a Hong Kong citizen. At the same time, we will also learn
very fast that rights come with responsibilities.
(Please also refer to the Chinese
portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, July 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:40
NNNN
|
|