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 From Hong Kong's Information Services Department
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February 5, 2006
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Governance

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Gov't work agenda to be set before Easter
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Chief Executive Donald Tsang
Setting priorities: Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the Government will come up with its future work agenda before Easter.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the debate on political development has come to an end, adding the Government will focus on how to improve people's livelihood and will come up with its future work agenda before Easter.

 

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Mr Tsang expressed his sorrow over the Egyptian coach crash on January 31 which killed 14 Hong Kong residents and injured 30 people.

 

He said the Government will do its best to ensure that injured victims receive the most appropriate treatment and bodies of the deceased can be transported to Hong Kong as soon as possible.

 

Mr Tsang thanked the Mainland authorities and the Chinese Embassy in Egypt for their enthusiastic help, adding their assistance demonstrates the implementation of the 'One Country, Two Systems' principal.

 

Disneyland incidents

Turning to Hong Kong Disneyland's ticketing arrangements, Mr Tsang expressed concern that paying guests were unable to enter the theme park on February 1 and 2.

 

Feeling sorry for those who were denied entry to the park, he said the park's management had underestimated the impact of the Mainland Golden Week holidays.

 

Tthe Government has advised Hong Kong Disneyland to improve the arrangement, the Chief Executive said, hoping that similar incidents can be avoided in future.

 

Speaking on his experience as the Chief Executive, Mr Tsang said he was glad Hong Kong's economy and employment situation have improved and social sentiment is growing positive.

 

However, he was frustrated by the fact lawmakers had voted down his proposed political reform package.

 

Flexibility urged

He hoped both the Government and lawmakers will learn a lesson and will handle other controversial issues in a more flexible way in future.

 

Understanding lawmakers' responsibility to monitor the Government's work, Mr Tsang urged them to fully reflect public views and take public interests into consideration.

 

Turning to his proposal to implement a five-day work policy for Government staff, Mr Tsang reiterated that the arrangement will only apply to sections which can finish 44 hours of work within five days.

 

Stressing the Government will continue to operate round the clock, Mr Tsang said the move will improve Government staff's efficiency and will not incur additional cost.

 

Noting the Government has been prepared for the fight against avian flu, Mr Tsang said the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau is preparing legislation to ban poultry-rearing in backyards or domestic households