The ICAC's handling of a recent conspiracy to pervert the course of justice case was not a hasty action, and the body has always respected press freedom, Commissioner Raymond Wong says.

Speaking at the airport after returning to Hong Kong tonight, Mr Wong said the media has been a close partner of the commission and he will meet with the representatives of the Newspaper Society tomorrow. He said he understands the community attaches great importance to the issue.

As proceedings have already started, he said it is inappropriate to disclose details of the operation now. However, without affecting legal proceedings, he will try to explain the issue to the media representatives. He also promised to give a more detailed account of the incident when the legal proceedings are over.

He said investigators balanced press freedom with the administration of justice. The operation was law-abiding and conducted after going through all the necessary legal procedures, he added.

Mr Wong said today's meetings between Acting Commissioner Daniel Li and several media groups were constructive and the commission will consider their views carefully.

Legal system preserved: Stephen Lam

Speaking after a luncheon today, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam said the commission's action was based on a court application.

"So this action and this application are very much part and parcel of Hong Kong's legal system and rule of law. Provided that all parties concerned continue to act within the parameters of the law, Hong Kong's legal system and judicial independence will continue to be respected and preserved," he said.

Mr Lam said the city remains a free and open society and the media profession in Hong Kong is very dedicated to promoting and preserving Hong Kong's freedom of speech.

"On the part of the Government, we remain totally committed to upholding Hong Kong's value as an open and free society. Whatever public issues there are for us to discuss in the open, we will always rise to the challenge and we will continue to work with the Hong Kong media to ensure the public get to know a full picture of what we all care about, whatever the issue which is on the agenda for public debate."