DONALD Tsang Yam-kuen vowed yesterday to keep the Falun Gong under government control and within the law.
He also declared that maintaining Hong Kong's freedoms would be a key part of his role as Chief Secretary for Administration.
Mr Tsang said citizens must be protected and the qigong sect should continue to act according to the law.
``We know what is happening in the mainland of China,'' Mr Tsang said. ``I think as a responsible government, we want to make sure that our own citizens are protected. And we do not want people to commit suicide. We do not want self immolation.'' he said, in reference to the fiery death of a woman, said to be a sect member, in Tiananmen Square in January and the subsequent death of her 12-year-old daughter from burns.
``Falun Gong is in Hong Kong and has its room for activities. Its organisation is still here as long as it acts according to the law.''
Mr Tsang said keeping government small and maintaining Hong Kong as a free society were also his tasks in his new role.
He said he had no opinion on whether the property market would improve and had been stating facts when he said last week he expected a shortage of flats within three years.
``I did not say property prices would change, or property prices would change dramatically in a short time, or the market would turn for the good. I believe [reports of this] were just people adding salt and vinegar to the simple truth.''