18 February 2003

The Editor
Asian Wall Street Journal

Dear Sir,

I refer to my letter dated 14 February concerning your editorial 'Still a Bad Bill' of the same date.

I now have a copy of the transcript of my remarks at the press conference on February 13 in both English and Chinese. Although the English version, which is based on simultaneous interpretation of my remarks in Cantonese, referred to Osama bin Laden's recent intimidation, you will note from the Chinese version that I actually referred to 'Hong Kong bin Laden'. 'Hong Kong bin Laden' is a Hong Kong resident who threatened to kill the Chief Executive and other senior government officials by poisoning food products at supermarkets in September 2001. He was recently convicted and sentenced to 80 months' imprisonment. I referred to him in the reply to a question on 'intimidation'. Your misunderstanding has apparently arisen from a mistake in the simultaneous interpretation.

Translation of Secretary for Security's response to a media question on "Intimidation" (by simultaneous interpreter) at the press conference on February 13, 2003:

Secretary for Security : With treason offence, whatever in laws in other places, they use terms like 'intimidate'.

Reporter : What is the definition of intimidation ?

Secretary for Security : Well, there is a definition in the dictionary. Well, verbal intimidation, like Osama bin Laden recently gave intimidation and so there are plenty of laws there. Perhaps, Mr Allcock will elaborate.
(End)

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