kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE welcomes Report on the Grade Structure Review for the Disciplined Services
23.6.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (June 23) received the Report on the Grade Structure Review for the Disciplined Services from the Standing Committee on Disciplined Services Salaries and Conditions of Service (SCDS) and issued the following statement: The last grade structure review (GSR) for the disciplined services was completed in 2008. Over the past decade, Hong Kong's social environment, economy, technological development and landscape have all witnessed considerable changes. In recognition of these changes, which no doubt have an impact on the nature and amount of work of the disciplined services, and the fact that there are no comparable jobs in the private sector for benchmarking, I announced in the 2018 Policy Address that a GSR for all disciplined services would be carried out to ensure that the grade structures and remuneration of the disciplined services are effective in attracting and retaining talent. Upon the Government's invitation, the SCDS and the Standing Committee on Directorate Salaries and Conditions of Service (SDCS) conducted a thorough review of matters concerning the disciplined services including their job nature, operating environment and challenges faced, as well as their recruitment and retention situation and career progression. During the process, the two committees met with staff and departmental management and reviewed submissions received from the relevant staff associations. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to both committees for their effort in completing the review amidst some unprecedented challenges posed by the social unrest and the COVID-19 epidemic. I have instructed the Civil Service Bureau to consult relevant stakeholders and examine the review findings and recommendations as soon as possible, with an aim of seeking approval of the revised grade structures by the Legislative Council within this legislative year. I notice that both committees have in their Report taken note of concerns expressed by the staff side on matters that went beyond grade structure issues. They have also addressed those matters in the Report for consideration by the Government. I will invite relevant bureaux/departments to consider those concerns separately to come up with a government response. ​Hong Kong is blessed to have a dedicated and professional civil service and the seven disciplined services departments/agency are playing a pivotal role in ensuring the rule of law. They are often at the front line to keep the city safe and form the backbone to law and order in Hong Kong. The unprecedented social unrest and the national security risks we have seen are posing additional challenges to the disciplined services. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all disciplinary colleagues for their perseverance, solidarity and commitment in serving the public even amidst difficult times. Ends/Wednesday, June 23, 2021 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Dr Philip Wong
9.6.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (June 9) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Philip Wong. "Dr Wong had actively taken part in public and community service for a long period of time. In his various public service roles, he served as an effective communication link between the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong and the Government with distinguished performance. He was a member of the former Legislative Council (LegCo), the Provisional LegCo and the LegCo of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), witnessing the return of Hong Kong to the motherland. He also served as a Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress to participate in national affairs, contributing to the development of the country. He was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2003. "I am saddened by the passing of Dr Wong. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Wednesday, June 9, 2021 Issued at HKT 13:18 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
8.6.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (June 8): Reporter: Good morning. Two questions. Firstly, July 1 of this year marks the 24th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the centenary of the Communist Party of China. So, does the Government have plans to mark this special occasion? Secondly, what do you make of media reports that international study paid university students in Hong Kong to join protests in 2017? Thank you. Chief Executive: Thank you for the two questions. Yes, in a few weeks' time, Hong Kong will be celebrating the 24th anniversary of reunification with the Mainland and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As in previous years, the HKSAR Government will host various types of activities including the flag-raising ceremony and the reception on July 1. And I understand that many associations are also organising similar celebration activities under the restrictions imposed because of COVID-19. It perhaps will not be able to go back to previous years when there were large crowds attending receptions, dinners and large gatherings to celebrate this important day, but I believe that these sort of activities are still going on. This year is also the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party. I have been invited, and I'm very pleased to be able to take part in some of the celebration activities including a seminar on the relationship between the Chinese Communist Party and "One Country, Two Systems" this Saturday, and also an exhibition on the achievements of the Party over the last century. These will be the activities that you will see are taking place in Hong Kong. The second question, I do not have all the facts with me. I could only say as a matter of principle that, based on the events that we have seen in the latter half of 2019 until the enactment and implementation of the National Security Law, I hope there is now no doubt in the minds of many people that there are external forces quite active in Hong Kong for their ulterior motive. And I have just, in response to one of the questions, mentioned about those ulterior motives, either they want to undermine the Chinese Government, or they have ideological prejudices against China. These external forces are at work, and how they are acting, penetrating into various institutions in Hong Kong including the universities, is something that everyone in position should be very sensitive to. If there are reports that things like this sort are taking place in the university, I would urge the university management, the council chairman and the president to be extremely careful and to make sure that university students will not be easily indoctrinated by those prejudices and bias, let alone to take part in activities that will breach the laws of Hong Kong. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, June 8, 2021 Issued at HKT 14:26 NNNN
CE meets with new Commissioner of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in HKSAR
1.6.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met with the new Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Liu Guangyuan, at Government House this afternoon (June 1). Mrs Lam welcomed Mr Liu's assumption of office in Hong Kong. She said the HKSAR faced severe challenges in the past two years or so but it successfully overcame the difficulties with the staunch support and resolute actions of the Central Authorities. In particular, the National People's Congress passed the Decisions on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security as well as on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR, which have stabilised the overall situation in Hong Kong and put "One Country, Two Systems" back on the right track. She expressed gratitude to the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR (OCMFA) for its continuous support for the HKSAR Government, especially as, on occasions when the HKSAR Government was subject to unfair attacks by some foreign governments and politicians with ulterior motives, the OCMFA invariably and steadfastly made clarifications to refute misleading accusations. Noting that some Hong Kong residents were stranded overseas due to the epidemic in the past year, Mrs Lam expressed her gratitude to the OCMFA and the country's missions in various places for the large volume of work they did to provide support to Hong Kong residents. She said that the HKSAR Government attaches importance to developing its external affairs and that with the launch of the "Early Vaccination for All" campaign by the HKSAR Government yesterday, it is hoped that an immune barrier can be built in Hong Kong as soon as possible by significantly raising the vaccination rate, thereby allowing the early resumption of travel between people in Hong Kong and other places. She expressed the hope that under Mr Liu's leadership, the OCMFA will continue to support the HKSAR to integrate into the overall development of the country and join hands in promoting the opportunities brought about by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, thereby expanding the room for development of young people and injecting impetus into Hong Kong's development. Ends/Tuesday, June 1, 2021 Issued at HKT 19:51 NNNN
Speech by CE at Shaw Prize Award Ceremony 2020
20.5.2021

Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Shaw Prize Award Ceremony 2020 held online this evening (May 20): Raymond (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Shaw Prize Foundation, Mr Raymond Chan), Professor Shu (Chairman of the Board of Adjudicators of the Shaw Prize, Professor Frank Shu), Shaw Laureates, past and present, ladies and gentlemen, I'm honoured to have this opportunity to congratulate the six Shaw Laureates of 2020. COVID-19 may have delayed the presentation of the 2020 Shaw Prize. It has not, however, dimmed our delight in honouring the year's Laureates and their profound achievements in Life Science and Medicine, Mathematical Sciences and Astronomy. If anything, the pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of groundbreaking research and innovation in science and its numerous applications. It emphasised just how much we count on scientists' continuing pursuit of excellence. A case in point is the rapid development of effective COVID-19 vaccines, giving people all around the world hope for finally overcoming the pandemic. In the 14th Five-Year Plan of the nation recently released, we are delighted by the inclusion of the Central Government's support for Hong Kong to develop an international innovation and technology hub. I believe this is a strong recognition of Hong Kong's strengths, particularly in basic research conducted in our universities, and the synergy in innovation and technology that is evident in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We will spare no effort in seizing these opportunities and one of the key initiatives is the Global STEM Professorship Scheme that will be launched later this year. By offering well-funded professorship and research support, the Scheme aims to recruit overseas and Mainland scientists to come to work in Hong Kong. Another initiative with planning under way is the Hong Kong Laureate Forum organised with the full support of the Shaw Prize Foundation which will take place towards the end of this year. Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to this year's Shaw Prize Laureates for your remarkable efforts to create a better world through science. My gratitude, as well, to the Shaw Prize Foundation for its global vision and painstaking dedication in bringing that vision to life, year after year. I look forward to seeing you all in person at the 2021 presentation. Thank you. Ends/Thursday, May 20, 2021 Issued at HKT 18:13 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Lord Millett
30.5.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (May 30) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Right Honourable the Lord Peter Julian Millett, Non-Permanent Judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. "Lord Millett is a distinguished jurist with profound achievements and is held in high regard in the legal sector. Having been a Non-Permanent Judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal since 2000, Lord Millett has handled complicated cases and has written landmark judgments covering various legal aspects over the years, making significant contributions to the Judiciary. He was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2015. "According to relevant provisions in the Basic Law, the Chief Executive can appoint judges from other common law jurisdictions, and the appointment of illustrious judges from other common law jurisdictions as Non-Permanent Judges of the Court of Final Appeal is an important component of the judicial system in Hong Kong. In his participation in the work of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal over the past 20 years, he has made immense contributions to the establishment of a robust and well-recognised judicial system in Hong Kong after its return to the motherland, which is testimony to the implementation of a high degree of autonomy in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in accordance with the law. "I am saddened by the passing of Lord Millett. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Sunday, May 30, 2021 Issued at HKT 15:25 NNNN
CE signs Improving Electoral System (Consolidated Amendments) Ordinance 2021
29.5.2021

​The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (May 29) signed in accordance with Article 48(3) of the Basic Law the Improving Electoral System (Consolidated Amendments) Ordinance 2021 passed by the Legislative Council (LegCo). The Ordinance will come into immediate effect after it is published in the Gazette on Monday (May 31). "Signing bills passed by the LegCo and promulgating laws is one of the Chief Executive's constitutional powers and functions. I have exercised this power and discharged this function in respect of four legal instruments within a year, which are essential to upholding the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems' in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and ensuring its full and faithful implementation. It is indeed a significant responsibility," Mrs Lam said. The four pieces of legislation comprise the National Anthem Ordinance signed on June 11, 2020; the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which was passed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and implemented following the signing of the promulgation by the Chief Executive on June 30, 2020; the Public Offices (Candidacy and Taking Up Offices)(Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2021 signed on May 20, 2021; and the Ordinance signed today. "The vitality of the law lies in its faithful and accurate implementation. The HKSAR Government will fulfil its responsibility and take resolute enforcement action without fear to strive to safeguard the constitutional order of the HKSAR and ensure its long-term prosperity and stability. "I express my gratitude to the LegCo for enacting the several pieces of legislation and various sectors and the general public for their support for the legislative work," Mrs Lam said. Looking ahead, Mrs Lam said that the HKSAR Government's priorities after completing the legislative work of the Ordinance are fighting COVID-19 to achieve "zero infection"; preparing for the three forthcoming elections in accordance with the law to ensure that they are held in a fair, just and open manner; and reviving the economy and working in concert with the LegCo to resolve the fundamental livelihood issues. Ends/Saturday, May 29, 2021 Issued at HKT 18:01 NNNN
CE officiates at completion ceremony of Married Quarters for FSD at Pak Shing Kok, Tseung Kwan O
21.5.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (May 21) officiated at the completion ceremony of the Fire Services Department (FSD)'s Married Quarters at Pak Shing Kok, Tseung Kwan O. The quarters, built using a total of 3 726 concrete modules, is the first high-rise building project adopting the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) method as a concrete construction approach in Hong Kong. Mrs Lam said in the speech that the adoption of the MiC method would reduce construction time by 30 to 50 per cent and save construction costs by about 10 per cent. In addition, productivity, construction workmanship, sustainability and safety could be improved. The Government will continue to encourage the construction industry to adopt MiC in suitable building types, she said, adding she hoped that this innovative technology could be more extensively used in different types of public and private development projects. There are currently more than 60 projects adopting MiC. Mrs Lam pointed out that the project, combined with many young talents, showcases the success of "Construction 2.0" which advocates "innovation", "professionalisation" and "revitalisation", with a view to enhancing the capacity and sustainability of the construction industry. Mrs Lam visited one of the units after the completion ceremony. The Married Quarters for the FSD at Pak Shing Kok, Tseung Kwan O, comprises five blocks of quarters of 16 to 17 storeys, providing 648 three-bedroom units. It is one of the pilot projects of the Government to promote the adoption of MiC. Ends/Friday, May 21, 2021 Issued at HKT 17:32 NNNN
Adjustment mechanism of remuneration of CE and PAOs
19.5.2021

A Government spokesman expresses regret over a newspaper report today (May 19) alleging that the politically appointed officials (PAOs) would receive a pay rise this year, saying that the report is misleading and deliberately distorts the adjustment mechanism of the remuneration of the Chief Executive (CE) and PAOs in order to attack the officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. The spokesman said, "To show that the governing team is fighting the disease and riding out the difficult times with the public, the CE and all PAOs announced in February 2020 that they would donate one month's remuneration to the Community Chest of Hong Kong for charity purposes. The CE further announced on April 8, 2020 that she and the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Financial Secretary, the Secretary for Justice, 13 Directors of Bureaux and the Director of the CE's Office would take a 10 per cent pay cut for the coming 12 months to show togetherness with the people." "Subsequently, the CE announced on June 9 of the same year that the remuneration of the CE and all PAOs would not increase in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (C) under the established mechanism, in order to show solidarity with the community to tide over the difficult times." The spokesman explained that the estimated expenditure for the salaries of the CE, the Secretaries of Departments, the Directors of Bureaux and the Director of the CE's Office in 2021-22 is slightly higher than the revised estimates in 2020-21 because the voluntary pay cut of 10 per cent will end by the end of this June and that the estimated expenditure for the remaining nine months (i.e. July 2021 to March 2022) is calculated based on the level excluding pay cut factor. The remuneration of the CE and PAOs has all along been adjusted according to the established mechanism. The mechanism is in accordance with the recommendations of the Independent Commission on Remuneration Package and Post-office Arrangements for the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and the Independent Commission on Remuneration for Members of the Executive Council and the Legislature, and Officials under the Political Appointment System of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2005 and 2016 respectively, and was approved by the Legislative Council Finance Committee (LegCo FC) in the respective years of 2005 and 2017. Ends/Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Issued at HKT 17:55 NNNN
CE welcomes appointment of Liu Guangyuan as Commissioner of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in HKSAR
19.5.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (May 19) welcomed the Central People's Government's appointment of Mr Liu Guangyuan as the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Mrs Lam said that, with the support of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR (OCMFA), the HKSAR has been developing its external affairs in accordance with the Basic Law proactively since its establishment, including participating in international organisations and international conferences using the name "Hong Kong, China", and signing a number of bilateral or multilateral agreements with other economies. On numerous occasions in recent years when the HKSAR Government was subject to unfair attacks by some foreign government officials and politicians, the OCMFA strongly refuted them to set the record straight. The OCMFA has also been maintaining close contact with the HKSAR Government to render assistance to Hong Kong residents in distress abroad. Recently, the OCMFA has helped promote development of Hong Kong young people, including arranging HKSAR young civil servants to take up positions in the United Nations as Chinese personnel. Mrs Lam said that Liu Guangyuan is a veteran diplomat and strongly believed that under his leadership, the OCMFA will continue to work closely with the HKSAR Government to take forward various work. Mrs Lam also thanked the former Commissioner, Mr Xie Feng, for his contributions during his tenure and wished him every success in his new post. Ends/Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Issued at HKT 16:54 NNNN