Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session after attending the meeting of the Legislative Council today (September 15):
Reporter: Can you first tell us a little bit about the freezing order targeting Apple Daily? What does that entail? Does that mean they can't sell the property? They can't enter the property?
Secretary for Security: So basically, under the freezing order, they're not entitled to deal with that property except with a license from me.
Reporter: Is it a responsible act by a government minister to make accusations targeting the Journalists Association when you haven't actually used evidence or information to back up your claims and are now relying on the JA to provide information or make public the information?
Secretary for Security: I think I'm not making any allegation. I just cast doubt, which is not just from me. I think it's also from a large number (of people) in the community that they have the same doubt about the Association. That's the reason why I raised it during my interview with the media.
Reporter: Are there any ongoing investigations targeting the Wall-fare group that disbanded yesterday? Why do you think your words alone are leading to the end and demise of so many civil society groups?
Secretary for Security: First of all, I do not consider it's just my words to end all those organisations. It's their own decision to consider dissolving. I think I'm not asking them to dissolve; I just tell the public about my observation and it's their own decision whether to dissolve.
Reporter: Any ongoing investigation targeting them?
Secretary for Security: I'm afraid I cannot disclose any ongoing investigation.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
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