Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen says people should not mix up the discussions on additional funding for the express rail link and whether a co-location arrangement is available, as it will only blur the focus of the discussions.
Speaking to reporters today, Mr Yuen said linking the two issues might cause economic damage and affect Hong Kong’s international reputation.
He said it is almost impossible to reach a solution for a co-location arrangement before March, adding that the current goal is to implement the arrangement when the rail link opens in 2018.
He said the arrangement must comply with the Basic Law and the “one country, two systems” principle, and must be politically acceptable to the public.
The solution must be operationally feasible, and as discussion is needed between different departments on the Mainland and in Hong Kong, more time is needed to work out a solution.
Responding to a reporter’s question on Guangdong Governor Zhu Xiaodan’s comment on bookshop shareholder Lee Bo’s case, Mr Yuen said Police are still investigating the case and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government takes the case seriously, adding that the Security Bureau and Police will actively follow up on it.
He said he hopes the case will not affect Hong Kong people’s confidence in the Basic Law and the “one country, two systems” principle, or the city's international image.
