Following are the opening remarks made by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, at a media session today (November 18) at the Legislative Council Complex on District Council Ordinary Election:
 
     The 2019 District Council Ordinary Election is just a week away. The Government's position is very clear. We will try our very best to enable that the election will be held smoothly according to schedule on November 24 so that all the 4.13 million registered electors can exercise their right to vote and choose their district representatives.
 
     However, the situation in the past weekend has obviously reduced the chance of holding the election as scheduled. And I am very anxious about this. I must say that postponing the election is a difficult decision to make. We will not take this step unless absolutely necessary.
 
     For the election to be held safely and orderly, there are three things that must be done. First is to stop violence and all kinds of duress immediately. Second, tunnels, highways and roads should cease to be blocked. Third, destruction to transport facilities should halt altogether to prevent paralysing the traffic.
 
     The Government is now working in full steam in preparing for the election but the urgent task is to stop violence. Thus, I appeal to every member of the community to disassociate themselves with violence. I also call on people with different backgrounds and political views, including political parties, professionals and commentators to say "no" to violence clear and loud. The voting right of some four million people is at stake. Please treasure it and strive to create a safe and fair environment for the election to take place on November 24.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

     Regarding an online rumour claiming that the Singapore Government has cancelled the visa-free access for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders, the Consulate General of Singapore in Hong Kong today (November 18) clarified immediately that the HKSAR passport holders do not need a visa to enter Singapore. The Immigration Department also stressed that such rumour is totally unfounded and the visa-free policy of Singapore for HKSAR passport holders remains unchanged.

     A spokesman for the Department of Justice today (November 18) said that the Secretary for Justice has not yet recovered and required further treatment following the assault in London. She would provide an update as and when necessary after consulting medical advice. During this period, the Secretary will continue to handle her work as usual. She also expressed gratitude to all who send their kind wishes.

     The Immigration Department announced today (November 18) that, further to the early closure of the West Kowloon Smart Identity Card Replacement Centre, the remaining eight Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres (SIDCCs) will be closed at 9pm due to transportation service disruptions and other circumstances which may happen. Members of the public who have appointments for today may proceed to the SIDCCs on later days for identity card replacement and they need not make another appointment. Subject to the actual circumstances of various districts, individual Replacement Centres may close earlier at any time. Before proceeding to the Replacement Centres, applicants are advised to browse the latest government press releases or to call the Replacement Centres during working hours.
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson of Hospital Authority (HA) today (November 18) announced the following service arrangements:
 
     Out of safety concerns for patients and staff members, tonight's evening service of Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic and Kwong Wah Hospital General Out-patient Department will be temporarily suspended. Patients with appointments are advised to make a new appointment later. The other 21 clinics (table attached) providing evening services will close upon completion of booked appointments.

     In addition, Mongkok Donor Centre, Causeway Bay Donor Centre, Kwun Tong Donor Centre and Tsuen Wan Donor Centre of the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS), will be closed at 7pm. In response to actual circumstances, other donor centres might be closed at short notice. Donors are recommended to call the particular donor centre, or visit BTS's facebook page (www.facebook.com/BloodForLifeHKRCBTS) for the latest status. BTS apologises for any inconvenience caused.

     For addresses and contact numbers of donor centres, please visit https://www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/enarticle.asp?bid=85&MenuID=5.