kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
S for S briefs district organisations on improving Hong Kong's electoral system (with photos/video)
7.4.2021

The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, today (April 7) held three briefing sessions, meeting with representatives of District Fight Crime Committees, District Fire Safety Committees and Area Committees of Central and Western District, Islands District and Tuen Mun District respectively. Mr Lee briefed the participants on the amended Annex I "Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)" and Annex II "Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures" to the Basic Law as approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. In the meetings, Mr Lee gave an overview on the background and objectives of the improvements to the electoral system. He said that the Central Authorities, following the enactment of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR, specified clearly the regulations of Hong Kong's electoral system through the amendments, plugging the loopholes and eliminating the deficiencies in the existing electoral system. Citing chaos and illegal acts that happened in various council meetings in the past as examples, Mr Lee pointed out the importance and necessity of full implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", as well as safeguarding the constitutional order as enshrined under the Constitution and the Basic Law. Mr Lee emphasised that improving Hong Kong's electoral system further enhances its broad representation and balanced participation in accordance with the actual situation in Hong Kong. It allows Hong Kong society to move away from the excessive politicisation and the internal rifts that have plagued the city in recent years, thereby enhancing the governance capability of the HKSAR. The participants from the district organisations welcomed and supported improving the electoral system of Hong Kong. They expressed the hope that the HKSAR Government can focus on dealing with economic and livelihood matters in the future, which will help preserve Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, as well as public peace and safety. The Permanent Secretary for Security, Ms Carol Yip, and the Political Assistant to the Secretary for Security, Mr Cassius Lau, also attended the briefing sessions today. Mr Lee will continue to meet with representatives of various District Fight Crime Committees, District Fire Safety Committees and Area Committees tomorrow to explain issues related to improving the HKSAR's electoral system.
S for S welcomes and supports decision of NPC on improving electoral system of HKSAR (with photo)
11.3.2021

The Decision of the National People's Congress (NPC) on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was adopted at the fourth session of the 13th NPC today (March 11), implementing the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle. The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, welcomes and fully supports the NPC's Decision. He will lead the disciplinary forces to fully co-operate and continue to fulfil resolutely the responsibility of safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and ensuring the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. Mr Lee said that frequent chaotic scenes were witnessed in the Legislative Council (LegCo) for quite some time, including some LegCo members blatantly advocating "Hong Kong independence" during oath-taking. In particular since 2019 when violent riots emerged in society, some LegCo members impeded the operation of the LegCo on purpose and obstructed LegCo staff in their execution of duties; some supported violence, called rioters "brothers in arms", colluded with foreign forces, begged foreign countries for sanctioning against Hong Kong and acted as foreign proxies; and some even associated with subversive forces with an intention of bringing "mutual destruction" to Hong Kong, and sabotaged the governance of the HKSAR Government, with a view to compelling the Central People's Government and the HKSAR Government. These people wanted Hong Kong to jump off a cliff with them and pushed Hong Kong people into the abyss. Such attempts have severely undermined Hong Kong's safety, order and stability, violating the Basic Law and the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (National Security Law) as well as relevant Hong Kong laws. â Upon the implementation of the National Security Law, chaos has stopped and order is restored in Hong Kong. However, there are still loopholes and deficiencies in our electoral system, posing threats to Hong Kong's social stability and national security. The Decision is a forceful measure in handling and preventing such risks. "Patriots administering Hong Kong" will put an end to the absurd period that caused destruction in Hong Kong, and usher in a new era of development for the city, thereby enabling effective governance by the HKSAR Government, improvement to people's livelihoods and development of the economy, and bringing back Hong Kong's vibrancy. Mr Lee said, "I welcome and fully support the NPC's Decision which implements the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong'. The Decision helps improve our electoral system, plug its loopholes and rectify its deficiencies, thereby preventing security risks and ensuring the smooth and continuous implementation of 'one country, two systems', as well as Hong Kong's long-term prosperity, order and stability."
New call-up programme for Hong Kong residents born in 1962 to 1963, 1973 to 1976, 2005 to 2007 and 2012 to 2018 to apply for new smart identity cards
3.2.2021

The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (February 3) that the Secretary for Security has made an Amendment Order to revise the call-up programme for persons born in 1962 to 1963 to apply for new smart Hong Kong identity cards (HKICs), and announce the call-up programme for persons born in 1973 to 1976, 2005 to 2007 and 2012 to 2018. The details are as follows: Eligible persons Application period Holders of the old form of smart HKIC born in 1962 or 1963 July 28, 2020 - February 20, 2021 (Revised) Holders of the old form of smart HKIC born in 1973, 1974, 1975 or 1976 February 22 - July 9, 2021 Holders of the old form of smart HKIC born in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 or 2018 May 3 - September 18, 2021 The Amendment Order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on February 24, 2021, for negative vetting. To reduce the risk of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a result of the gathering of crowds, the ImmD again suspended the replacement of HKICs at nine Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres (SIDCCs) under the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise from December 2, 2020, to January 31, 2021. The services of all SIDCCs have been resumed since February 1, 2021. Due to the service suspension of the SIDCCs, some persons born in 1962 or 1963 may have been unable to apply for new HKICs within the application period previously announced. An ImmD spokesman said, "Having regard to the epidemic situation and the progress of the Replacement Exercise, the Amendment Order extends the period for persons born in 1962 or 1963 to apply for new HKICs and announces the call-up programme for persons born in 1973 to 1976, 2005 to 2007 and 2012 to 2018. The call-up programme for persons born in 1970 to 1972 previously announced remains unchanged, and the application period will last until April 30, 2021." To avoid the gathering of crowds, the ImmD appeals to applicants who have not previously made appointment bookings to do so via the Internet ( www.gov.hk/newicbooking ), the ImmD mobile application or the 24-hour telephone booking hotline 2121 1234. Applicants can also pre-fill the application form when making appointment bookings through the Internet or the mobile application to save waiting time. For details of the Replacement Exercise, please visit the website www.smartid.gov.hk or call the ImmD's enquiry hotline at 2824 6111.
S for S speaks on police arrest of people on suspicion of subversion
6.1.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council meeting today (January 6): Reporter: Mr Lee, what exactly is the legal basis and evidence for arresting all the 50 pro-democracy figures under the National Security Law? Is it now against the National Security Law to try to win the majority in LegCo and also to plan to veto Government Budget? Also, what do you say about the 600 000 people who voted in the "primary", did they also potentially violate the National Security Law? Secretary for Security: First of all, the operation today targets the active elements who are suspected to have been involved in the crime of overthrowing or interfering, seriously destroying the Hong Kong Government's legal execution of duties. We are talking about taking action against the active elements. The operation today does not involve other non-active elements including those who voted in the so-called primary election. I have explained that the people involved are suspected of making use of what they called a "35-plus" plan and a "10-step mutual destruction scheme" to in some way paralyse the Hong Kong Government. They aimed to get 35 or more seats in the LegCo through something they have organised as a "primary", so that once they have achieved their goal, they will veto regardless of the actual content of the Government Budget, so as to create a situation that the Chief Executive has to resign and the Government stops functioning. This is to paralyse the Government. They have a "10-step mutual destruction plan" in which they will be mobilising mass-scale riots in streets together with other actions to in some way paralyse the society. Coupled with international sanctions, the plan is to create mutual destruction, so that the society as a whole, using their words "jump the cliff". The plot is to cause such mutual destruction that, if successful, this "10-step mutual destruction" plan will result in serious damage to society as a whole. That is why the Police's action today is necessary. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
CSD stages musical drama to promote law-abiding and rehabilitation messages (with photos)
16.12.2022

âThe Correctional Services Department (CSD) staged a youth musical drama, "Direct Your Life", at Queen Elizabeth Stadium today (December 16). More than 2 000 teachers and students from 40 schools, principals, members of parent-teacher associations and District Fight Crime Committees, as well as other community partners of the CSD attended the event. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the musical drama, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, said that the musical drama "Direct Your Life" disseminates the message that everyone is the director of their own life who can decide on their life development. Although persons in custody had gone astray and made mistakes, they can create a new world of their own as long as they choose the correct and law-abiding life path again. The musical drama is set in the 2019 black-clad violence, when many youngsters were influenced by false information and committed illegal acts. Through this musical, the CSD hopes to enable students to develop critical thinking skills and correct values. The musical drama, matched with pop songs, was performed by professional actors, youngsters of the Rehabilitation Pioneer Leaders and officers of the CSD. An interactive session was also held to encourage students to express their opinions, inspiring them to think from multiple perspectives. The CSD also arranged for a rehabilitated person to talk about the heavy price he had paid for committing crime and his journey of rehabilitation. He advised youngsters to be law-abiding, distinguish right from wrong, and think twice before they act. The CSD has endeavoured to collaborate with schools and social service organisations to promote community education and disseminate to students and young people the messages of safeguarding our country and home, leading a law-abiding and drug-free life and supporting offender rehabilitation. Recently, the CSD has included national security education, moral and civic education, legal knowledge, etc into community education activities, so as to cultivate in students law-abiding values and national awareness, as well as to enhance their sense of national identity.
Transcript of remarks by S for S after Fight Crime Committee meeting (with video)
12.12.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session after the Fight Crime Committee meeting this afternoon (December 12): Reporter: So you once described the "white paper protest" here in Hong Kong of showing signs of a colour revolution. Does that assessment still stand? And if it does, can the public expect arrest soon? Secretary for Security: I think about two weeks ago, we have observed a sign of provocation of social unrest through some anti-China social media. And we also observed that some of the black-clad violence fugitives, in the social media, provoking people of Hong Kong to participate in such kind of activities. And we also observed that there are a few of those 2019 black-clad violence participants who have involved in those activities. At the scene of those activities, we also observed some words relating to sedition or subversion. As Secretary for Security, I think I have the responsibility, first of all, to advise the university management about the possibility of the campus being used as a base to (act) against the interest of national security. And I have also advised the public, in particular the young people, not to be provoked by those fugitives to come out and to commit offences like what happened in 2019. I think I also have to come out to warn those people who try to cause social unrest in Hong Kong. You will be a failure because we will make every effort to interdict such actions and we will take resolute action against any attempt to cause national security or other security issues in Hong Kong. I think following what I have advised and warned the public, the situation has died down. I will consider this a success of a joint effort of people of Hong Kong in safeguarding the national security and security of Hong Kong. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Security Bureau expresses deep regret over misleading commentary in Ming Pao regarding online appeal calling for participation in protests
2.12.2022

âA commentary titled "why patriotic students also turn into 'black-clad' protestors?" (translation) written by Mr Tsang Chi-ho was published in Ming Pao today (December 2). The writer intentionally mixed up the recent activities in Hong Kong which were called for on the Internet in the name of commemorating the event in Urumqi but in reality were attempting to incite against the Central Authorities, with certain incidents happened in the Mainland. The commentary is misleading and downplays the signs of instability in Hong Kong. Members of the public may be easily led to let down their guard against being incited to participate in activities suspected of endangering national security. For this, the Security Bureau (SB) expressed deep regret. "The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, clearly pointed out earlier that the relevant activities were called for on the Internet and plotted by various social media platforms, including some social media platforms which are primarily anti-China. These activities were highly co-ordinated with the participation of some active members of the serious violent protests in 2019. Members of the public should not be incited to participate in such activities," a SB spokesman said. The spokesman said, "Members of the public have the right to know. The SB also has a duty to inform members of the public of the information it has in hand, with a view to safeguarding the safety of our people. It is regrettable that the writer disregarded the facts, and even questioned the observations and alerts concerned. In the article, he deliberately downplayed the signs of instability in local society, and ignored the consequences of members of the public being incited to participate in activities suspected of endangering national security." The spokesman said, "The writer has previously disclosed that he had already left Hong Kong. Members of the public, especially young people, must heighten their vigilance, as some people will not give up and will always seek to endanger the security of our country and Hong Kong. These people may now be enjoying elsewhere the political dividends obtained by betraying Hong Kong and our country. Members of the public must stay alert."
S for S speaks on national security and FCC premises tenancy contract
30.11.2022

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 (November 30): Reporter: Firstly, why is the Government now deciding to enforce against these protests that we are seeing in Hong Kong, and did you also say that these protests are seeing a sign of colour revolution? Are you calling these protests a form of colour revolution? Secondly, what sort of measures that the Government want to follow up on these protests, now that you decided that these are threats of national security? What are these measures? And lastly, we also want to ask about the lease renewal of the FCC (Foreign Correspondents' Club). There are some national security measures put in the tenancy agreement. Can you confirm whether these are applied? What are these agreements? What is the reason for these new national security terms? Secretary for Security: First of all, in the past few days, what we have observed that happened inside the universities and on the street corners are that there are people using this opportunity to incite against the Central Government. We can see some of the familiar faces who were actively participating in the illegal acts in 2019. And the second question regarding the FCC, although you know I am not involved in the contract, I think it is very sensible that if a location is being used to act against the national interests of our country, why we should allow them to use the premises. I think this is a very simple question.
Commissioner of Police tests positive for COVID-19
18.11.2022

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, had tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid antigen test (RAT) and a subsequent polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid test today (November 18). He is undergoing isolation in accordance with the guidelines of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health. Mr Siu last went to work on November 17. He wore masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work, including taking RAT daily. The Police have conducted thorough cleaning and disinfection operations at the office concerned and will continue to implement disease prevention measures vigorously. Mr Siu was earlier confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 in August this year and had fully recovered afterwards. Mr Siu attended the Disciplined Services Tennis Tournament yesterday (November 17) and joined other participating officials in a tea break after the prize presentation ceremony. Among them, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho; the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing and the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, are identified as close contacts. They are undergoing home quarantine in accordance with the guidelines of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health. They tested negative by RAT today. The relevant officials had made acting arrangements. Operations of the departments will not be affected.
CSD launches community education activity "Rehabilitation Express" (with photos)
11.11.2022

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) held the kick-off ceremony of its brand-new community education activity, "Rehabilitation Express" (RehEx), today (November 11). The RehEx is the 12th community education programme under the Rehabilitation Pioneer Project (RPP) targeting primary school students. The CSD will arrange a promotion vehicle to visit primary schools in various districts across the territory to enhance the promotion of national security, national education, crime prevention, as well as anti-drug and support for rehabilitation messages to primary school students through electronic games set up in the promotion vehicle and dodgebee, a newly emerged sport. Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, said that the CSD has been actively promoting community education. Through the RPP, it has collaborated with different community service organisations to organise diversified learning and experiential activities to instill correct values in young people, enabling them to become responsible and law-abiding citizens. The RehEx is a brand-new community education activity of the department tailor-made for primary school students. The CSD will arrange a promotion vehicle to visit at least 10 primary schools in various districts every month to enhance students' awareness of national security, sense of responsibility and correct values, and to teach them to become law-abiding citizens through the interactive electronic games installed in the vehicle. The activity is very meaningful. The CSD has implemented the RPP since 2008 and collaborated with a number of schools and social service organisations over the years to promote the messages of "law-abiding, drug-free life, and supporting the rehabilitation of offenders" to young people through a variety of learning activities, including the launch of the "Mission in Prison" in 2021, which is modelled on an escape room activity. While the participants of RPP events are mainly secondary students, the target participants of the RehEx are primary students, thereby further extending the reach of community education by the CSD.