Views on anthem bill to be heard

March 17, 2018

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung:
In fact, the document has already been in the public arena. Our colleagues will go to the relevant panel in the Legislative Council next week on March 23 to interact with LegCo members. And in fact our timetable now is to introduce the bill into the LegCo only in July before the summer recess and in fact, there will be a long period of summer recess to digest, to listen to the views of the community. And then when LegCo resumes business after summer recess, then there will be (the) Bills Committee procedure, again careful deliberation, plenty of opportunities to hear the views of the community. So plenty of time to listen to the views of the community and to react.

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung said the Government will spare plenty of time to hear public views over a bill on implementing the National Anthem Law in Hong Kong.

Speaking to reporters today, Mr Cheung said the issue will be discussed at the Legislative Council on March 23.

“Our timetable now is to introduce the bill into the LegCo only in July before the summer recess.

“There will be a long period of summer recess to digest, to listen to the views of the community.”

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung also spoke on the topic after attending a radio programme today.

"I think that for local students in Hong Kong, they have to learn about our national anthem and also the background as well. So that will be the direction we are heading to.”