kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Transcript of media session by Secretary for Justice
10.1.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, at a media session on her property today (January 10): Reporter: On the first day of you taking the office, you already have this controversy broken. How do you expect the public…? In regard of illegal structures, so many public figures have already been involved in similar crises or controversies before. How did you not realise that this was a problem? How do you expect the public can trust you with your position? Secretary for Justice: As I have said, when I bought the property in 2008, it was in the condition as it was. It was all renovated so we bought the place. At that point in time, I was involved in a number of projects as well as a number of community services. If you may remember, that was a time, I think, when it was the Minimum Wage Commission, the Transport Advisory Committee and so on. So I was very busy. And that, of course, is not and cannot be an excuse. It was an oversight, as I said, I could have done better. I could have spent more time and perhaps had thought about whatever has happened to engage an Authorized Person to go and inspect the property before I take possession of it. So that is something that I have to say that I could improve my performance. I think this particular incident has given me a lot to learn and actually allowed me to strengthen myself in performing my duty as the Secretary for Justice in the future. Reporter: You were on the committee handling appeal cases on buildings may be involving illegal structures. Are you saying that you still didn't know that there are illegal structures in your home? The Secretary for Justice: The Buildings Appeal Tribunal (Appeal Tribunal Panel (Buildings)), I believe, I was appointed round about the year 2000, I believe. I can't remember the exact time. In so far as that is concerned, of course, one doesn't look at the thing and know whether that is illegal. That is why we have a system called Authorized Persons and of course, the building surveyors and so on, who will be able to verify whether or not there are illegal structures or authorised works by looking at the drawings. And this is exactly what I have engaged the Authorized Person to do as soon as I get the letter from the Buildings Department last Friday. Yesterday, the Buildings Department and my Authorized Person have already, by reference to the drawing, identified those unauthorised building works. Today, the rectification proposals have been sent to the Buildings Department. As soon as that is approved, works can commence to put and rectify the unauthorised building works to what is in the approved plan. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Wednesday, January 10, 2018 Issued at HKT 21:59 NNNN
Statement by the Secretary for Justice
6.1.2018

In response to news reports on suspected unauthorised building works involving the property owned by the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, the Secretary issued the following statement today (January 6): "I received a notice from the Buildings Department yesterday (January 5), requesting entry to my property for investigation. For this, I immediately commissioned a professional authorised person to conduct an inspection. I have also reported it to the Chief Executive and undertook to rectify the situation as soon as possible if any unauthorised building works are identified. I deeply apologise for any inconvenience caused by the incident." Ends/Saturday, January 6, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:11 NNNN
Transcript of remarks at media session on appointment and removal of Secretary for Justice (with photo)
5.1.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC; and the Secretary for Justice (designate), Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, met the media this morning (January 5). Following is the transcript of remarks of the question-and-answer session: Reporter: Mrs Lam, how difficult was it for you to find the successor, and do you think Ms Cheng is tough enough to handle controversial issues like the legislation of Article 23? And a question for Mr Yuen, if you were to name one thing you've done during your term as SJ that you regret most, what would it be? Thank you. Chief Executive: Well, I would not comment or disclose on the process of approaching potential candidates in forming my team. I have said this half a year ago and I am saying this again. I have every confidence that Teresa, with her long service in both the legal sector and the non-legal sector, will be able to fully discharge the duties of the Secretary for Justice. I cannot answer the latter question on behalf of him. Secretary for Justice: Thank you for your questions. I think in the course of the past five and a half years or so, of course I have made various decisions and done various aspects of work. There are bound to be differences of opinion in relation to all those matters. But I think in all those cases, hand on heart, I can tell you that on each and every occasion, the ultimate decision was made in accordance with the law. We understand that people would have perhaps very divergent views. In my post, my belief has all along been that we have to stick to legal principles even though we know that some people may not like our decisions, because otherwise there would be situations where one would be acting contrary to the rule of law if one were not acting strictly according to legal principles. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Friday, January 5, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:56 NNNN
Opening remarks by Secretary for Justice (designate) at media session
5.1.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC; and the Secretary for Justice (designate), Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, met the media this morning (January 5). Following are the opening remarks by Ms Cheng: Let me now say a few words in English. I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. I would like to express my thanks to the Chief Executive and the Central People's Government for their trust in the nomination and appointment of me to this very important post. The Secretary for Justice is the head of the Department of Justice, serving as the principal legal adviser to the Chief Executive, the various government bureaux, departments and agencies. We also control the criminal prosecution without any interference, and another task that we take on board is that of protecting public interest. The prime mission of the Secretary for Justice is to uphold the rule of law. Hong Kong has returned to the Mainland for 20 years now. "One country, two systems" is the most favourable and appropriate arrangement for Hong Kong. However, as we know, during its implementation, there have been situations whereby some unprecedented legal challenges have arisen. "One country, two systems" is an innovative constitutional arrangement in unitary states. And for that reason, I can understand at times people may have different views about "one country, two systems" and perhaps also the Basic Law. However, if we insist on applying legal principles, objectively and rationally analyse the Basic Law, which is promulgated by the National People's Congress in accordance with the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, we will ultimately arrive at the same legal conclusion. Over the years, I have taken part in a number of public services in the legal as well as the non-legal sector. At this point in time, and in this very occasion, the fact that I am appointed as the Secretary for Justice in this new post gives me a great honour, but also provides me challenge so that I can continue to serve the society of Hong Kong. With the same conviction as always, I will do my best, using my professional knowledge and experience to serve and contribute to Hong Kong. Last but not least, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for Rimsky’s contribution to Hong Kong that we have all been able to see through his hard work, dedication and devotion. Thank you very much. Ends/Friday, January 5, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:54 NNNN
Opening remarks by Secretary for Justice at media session
5.1.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC; and the Secretary for Justice (designate), Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, met the media this morning (January 5). Following are the opening remarks by Mr Yuen: Allow me to summarise what I have said in Cantonese just now in English. As pointed out by the Chief Executive just now, the Central People's Government has accepted my resignation. Today is my last day as the Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. My resignation will take effect from tomorrow, January 6 this year. In the past five and a half years, I think Hong Kong has gone through a number of events and challenges. I am very, very privileged to have the chance to serve as the Secretary for Justice during this period. May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to both the former Chief Executive as well as the incumbent Chief Executive for nominating me, and also my gratitude to the Central People's Government for appointing me as the Secretary for Justice during this period of time so that I have to handle all those work. May I also take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the colleagues within the Government, including all the Principal Officials, as well as members of the disciplinary forces and all the colleagues in the Department of Justice. I think without their assistance and support, it would be difficult to handle many of the challenges that we faced during the past five and a half years or so. Making the decision not to continue as the Secretary for Justice is not an easy one. But I believe that at different stages of life, one should do different things. I am extremely glad that Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, is appointed as the next Secretary for Justice. With her very extensive experience and wisdom, I have every confidence that she would perform very well. On this note, if I may wish all of you and indeed the whole of Hong Kong every success in the future endeavours of Hong Kong. Ends/Friday, January 5, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:43 NNNN
Appointment of the Director of Public Prosecutions (with photo)
29.12.2017

The Department of Justice (DoJ) announced today (December 29) the appointment of Principal Government Counsel Mr David Leung Cheuk-yin, SC, as the Director of Public Prosecutions, to head the Prosecutions Division of the Department, with effect from December 29. Mr Leung was selected for the position through a promotion-cum-open recruitment exercise. Welcoming the appointment, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC, said that Mr Leung is a veteran prosecutor who has extensive professional experience in criminal law and strong leadership skills to lead the Prosecutions Division in its important work of public prosecutions. "Mr Leung is an outstanding senior counsel. I have every confidence that he will lead the Prosecutions Division ably to meet the challenges ahead and discharge his role as the Director of Public Prosecutions in a fair and just manner," said Mr Yuen. Mr Yuen again expressed his gratitude to Mr Keith Yeung Ka-hung, SC, who has completed his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions in September, for his great and valuable contribution during his term of service. Ranked at Law Officer (DL6) level, the Director of Public Prosecutions is responsible for directing public prosecutions and advising on the development, enforcement and implementation of the criminal law. A brief biographical note on Mr Leung is set out below: Mr David Leung Cheuk-yin, SC, aged 51, was admitted as solicitor in Hong Kong in 1992 and subsequently called to the Bar in 1998. He has over 25 years' post admission experience in the legal profession. He joined the Prosecutions Division of the Department of Justice in 1995 as Crown Counsel, and was promoted to Senior Government Counsel in 1997, Deputy Principal Government Counsel in 2009, and Principal Government Counsel in December 2013. He served in the Prosecutions Division throughout his service with the Department and has been a Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions since 2012. He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2015. Mr Leung's spouse is a Senior Government Counsel in the Prosecutions Division. After Mr Leung has assumed office, he will avoid any possible conflict of interest and any perception of such conflict in respect of prosecution cases handled by his spouse, and will not deal with any administrative or personnel matters concerning his spouse. Ends/Friday, December 29, 2017 Issued at HKT 9:15 NNNN
Public consultation on proposed legislation on continuing powers of attorney starts today
28.12.2017

The Department of Justice (DoJ) today (December 28) launched a two-month public consultation to seek views on the proposed continuing powers of attorney legislation in Hong Kong. A spokesman for the DoJ said, "It is proposed that a new Continuing Powers of Attorney Ordinance be enacted to extend the scope of an enduring power of attorney to include matters relating to the personal care of the donor." The spokesman pointed out that according to the existing Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) Ordinance (Cap. 501), an EPA is a legal instrument which allows its donor (i.e. the person who gives a power of attorney in favour of someone), while he or she is still mentally capable, to appoint attorney(s) to take care of the donor's affairs in the event that he or she subsequently becomes mentally incapacitated. While a general power of attorney will cease to be effective if the donor becomes mentally incapacitated, an EPA will "endure" the donor's mental incapacity and give the attorney(s) the power to continue to take care of the donor's affairs despite such incapacity. At present, the powers which may be delegated under an EPA in Hong Kong are limited to decisions in relation to the property and financial affairs of the donor. The Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong (LRC) published the report on "Enduring Powers of Attorney: Personal Care" (2011 Report) in July 2011. The report recommended the extension of the scope of an EPA to cover not only decisions on a donor's roperty and financial affairs, but also decisions on a donor's personal care. Subsequently, the DoJ established an inter-departmental working group (IWG) to study the 2011 Report. The IWG includes members from the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the Food and Health Bureau and the Social Welfare Department. "After careful consideration of the views and recommendations of the LRC and those provided by members of the IWG, it is proposed that a new Continuing Powers of Attorney Ordinance be enacted to replace the existing EPA scheme with a new regime known as the continuing power of attorney to distinguish it from an EPA created under the existing Enduring Powers of Attorney Ordinance," the spokesman added. According to the said proposal, while new EPAs may no longer be created after the commencement of the Continuing Powers of Attorney Ordinance, EPAs executed prior to that would continue to be governed by the Enduring Powers of Attorney Ordinance. The Consultation Paper on the Continuing Powers of Attorney Bill is now available on the website www.doj.gov.hk/eng/public/pdf/2017/cpa_consulte.pdf . Copies of the consultation paper are also available at the Public Enquiry Service Centres of the Home Affairs Department. Members of the public are invited to submit their views to the Legal Policy Division of the Department of Justice by mail to 5/F, East Wing, Justice Place, 18 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong, or by email to cpa@doj.gov.hk . The consultation will end on February 28, 2018. Ends/Thursday, December 28, 2017 Issued at HKT 16:10 NNNN
Transcript of media session by Secretary for Justice
30.11.2017

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council meeting today (November 30): Reporter: Mr Yuen, does it mean you have resigned because you did not say no? Does it mean you have already resigned? Secretary for Justice: I don't think it's appropriate for me to comment on the question that has been raised, because given that there have been so many rumours, I don't want to create any more rumours, but one should not read my answer just now in Cantonese to mean yes or no. I think that would be the last thing that I would want you to do, nor is it the intention when I utter that answer. I hope that would clarify the position. I am sure you would have a lot of other interesting questions to ask apart from this one. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Thursday, November 30, 2017 Issued at HKT 20:27 NNNN
Secretary for Justice promotes legal co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai (with photos)
18.11.2017

Against the background of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has a role to play in the Belt and Road Initiative and the process of internationalisation of legal services, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC, said today (November 18). Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 9th Lujiazui Law Forum in Shanghai, Mr Yuen said that the presence of an international and diversified pool of legal talents is one of the major reasons for the legal sector of Hong Kong being able to participate in the provision of international legal services. He said Hong Kong has about 1 400 registered foreign lawyers from 32 different jurisdictions. Among the 83 registered foreign law firms, 26 of them are from the Mainland, including law firms in Shanghai. "On the other hand, Hong Kong law firms are also actively developing their business in the Mainland. A total of 21 Hong Kong law firms have set up their representative offices in Shanghai. Under the framework of CEPA (The Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement), law firms in Shanghai have also started engaging Hong Kong barristers as legal advisors since 2015 to deal with Hong Kong and foreign-related legal matters," he said. "The Government is very pleased to see the legal sectors in Hong Kong and the Mainland working closely in providing appropriate legal services to their clients by reference to their respective strength and expertise, especially in providing the Mainland enterprises that are 'going global' with legal risk management related services." Regarding the legal cooperation between the two places, Mr Yuen said Shanghai and Hong Kong have their own strengths , and the "win-win" formula is made possible by positive interaction and practical co-operation. "As the Belt and Road Initiative covers extensive areas and numerous countries and regions with very different legal cultures and backgrounds, the issues of international law and legal risks involved are very complicated; the legal sectors in Shanghai and Hong Kong should therefore enhance co-operation and take it to a new height," Mr Yuen said. The 9th Lujiazui Law Forum, with the theme of "Belt and Road and internationalisation of legal services", is co-organised by the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Justice, the Shanghai Bar Association, the Shanghai Notary Association, the Shanghai International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong. Mr Yuen also met with Vice Minister of Justice, Mr Wang Shuangquan today to exchange views on matters of mutual interest. In addition, Mr Yuen met with the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, Mr Chen Yin, and the Director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Justice, Mr Lu Weidong. He also visited the Shanghai Bar Association to foster closer ties between the legal and dispute resolution sectors of Hong Kong and Shanghai. Mr Yuen will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon (November 19). Ends/Saturday, November 18, 2017 Issued at HKT 18:00 NNNN
Secretary for Justice to visit Shanghai
16.11.2017

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC, will visit Shanghai from tomorrow (November 17) to November 19 and speak at the 9th Lujiazui Law Forum. Mr Yuen will give opening remarks at the forum under the theme of "Belt and Road and internationalisation of legal service". The event is co-organised by the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Justice, the Shanghai Bar Association, the Shanghai Notary Association, the Shanghai International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong. During the visit, he will meet with officials of the Ministry of Justice, the Shanghai Municipal Government and the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Justice, as well as representatives of the legal and dispute resolution sectors, to enhance mutual co-operation and exchanges. Mr Yuen will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on November 19. Ends/Thursday, November 16, 2017 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
SJ, STH and S for S on co-location arrangement at West Kowloon Station of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link
15.11.2017

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC; the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan; and the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, met the media after attending the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting today (November 15). Following is the transcript of remarks of the media session: Reporter: Mr Chan, can you explain to us how can the co-location plan be connected with national security? And also in terms of the co-operation agreement, when can we expect the details to come out? Secretary for Justice: Maybe I answer the second part of your question first. The "Three-step Process" that we have put forward concerns the signing of, at the first stage, the Co-operation Agreement (should be Co-operation Arrangement) between the Mainland and the Hong Kong side. As I said earlier, we would endeavor to finish the first and second steps by the end of this year. The issue that you have been raising in your question just now is the disclosure of the Co-operation Agreement (should be Co-operation Arrangement). As and when the Arrangement to be signed, certainly we would consider how to disclose the contents of the Co-operation Arrangement. However, the Co-operation Arrangement is yet to be approved or endorsed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. So we would have to consider how best to deal with the disclosure of the contents. Maybe I handover to Mr Chan to deal with the first part of the question. Secretary for Transport and Housing: For any cross-border (should be boundary) railway operation you know, safety and security is important. Not only for the network of the rail, but also for both sides. So, safety and security is applicable to both Hong Kong and the Mainland. Secretary for Justice: Since this question concerns the issue of security, perhaps on top of Mr Chan, if I may invite Mr Lee to deal with it as well. The Secretary for Security: The express rail network is a network which will involve passengers of both sides. They will be either going in or out of the port area. The Hong Kong law enforcement officers will have to pay attention to the security issues. Likewise, Mainland authorities will also have this need. When we talk about the security of the network, we are talking about the security of the whole system, which involves of course the Hong Kong side, and of course the Mainland side. And the whole design is to ensure the safety of all passengers, and this includes the Hong Kong passengers, and Mainland passengers. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Wednesday, November 15, 2017 Issued at HKT 19:50 NNNN