The Government says it is not necessary to set up an independent commission of inquiry to look into the Mong Kok riot.

In a statement issued today, the Government said the Mong Kok riot was a serious violent incident and that criminal investigations by the Police are underway with a view to apprehending all culprits for fair trials and rulings by the court.

It noted that following the disturbances in Hong Kong in the 1960s, a commission of inquiry was set up by the government at the time. But the Government considers it inappropriate to make direct comparisons between the incident and the Mong Kok riot.

The statement added that Hong Kong now enjoys free access to information and is a highly democratic and transparent society. People are entitled to freedom of speech and can express their opinions and aspirations on social problems and government administration through different channels and they can also seek relief from the court to review the administrative decisions through legal proceedings.

The Government has all along been listening attentively to the public and is committed to balancing the interests and needs of all sectors of the community.

It will continue to improve governance to ensure that policies are geared towards the overall and long-term well-being of Hong Kong, but the expression of views and demands must not be conducted through illegal and violent acts.