kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
S for S visits Sha Tin District (with photos)
25.1.2019

The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, visited Sha Tin District this afternoon (January 25), meeting with members of the Sha Tin District Council to learn more about the law and order situation and livelihood conditions of the local community. He also visited a drug treatment and rehabilitation centre. Accompanied by the District Officer (Sha Tin), Miss Amy Chan, Mr Lee first met with members of the Sha Tin District Council to exchange views on issues relating to the local law and order situation and people's livelihood. Mr Lee then visited the Adult Female Rehabilitation Centre of the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers. The Centre provides voluntary residential drug treatment and rehabilitation services to female drug abusers aged 30 or above to help them quit drugs and establish healthy lifestyles. Mr Lee was briefed on the services and facilities of the Centre. He also chatted with volunteers who had received services of the Centre and successfully quit drugs. He said he was pleased to see that the Centre offered a variety of services, including individual counselling, therapeutic groups and life skills and job-seeking skills training, to equip rehabilitees for reintegration into society. Expressing appreciation to the volunteers for supporting drug treatment and rehabilitation services, Mr Lee encouraged them to maintain a positive life attitude and continue to serve the community. He also encouraged the residents who were undergoing drug treatment and rehabilitation to make good use of the Centre's resources to increase their resilience and self-confidence for positively braving future challenges.
Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2020 gazetted
4.12.2020

Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2020 (the Bill) was published in the Gazette today (December 4). The Bill aims at improving the screening procedures for non-refoulement claims and introducing enhanced measures in respect of law enforcement, removal and detention. A spokesman for the Security Bureau (SB) said, "The Government has been highly concerned with and is determined to address the problems arising from non-refoulement claims. Over the past years, the SB and the Immigration Department (ImmD) have implemented various measures targeting the handling of claims at different stages, including reducing at source the number of illegal immigrants and overstayers, expediting the screening of claims and appeals, expediting repatriation after completion of screening and stepping up law enforcement against crimes such as unlawful employment." The ImmD basically cleared the backlog of outstanding claims in early 2019, which at one point reached over 11 000 cases. The number of appeals pending handling by the Torture Claims Appeal Board (TCAB) has also been reduced from the peak of over 6 500 to some 1 700 as at end-October 2020. It is expected that the TCAB could complete the handling of these cases by mid-2021 the earliest. Despite some concrete progress made by the Government in the handling of non-refoulement claims, there remain numerous challenges ahead. For example, there are still some 13 000 claimants or unsuccessful claimants currently remaining in Hong Kong due to various reasons, including the majority of claimants who applied for leave to apply for judicial review after their claims or appeals were rejected by the ImmD and the TCAB respectively. With a view to handling the various issues relating to non-refoulement claims more effectively, the Government has put forward amendments to the Immigration Ordinance. The key amendment proposals include enhancing efficiency in screening by the ImmD and preventing delaying tactics, improving the procedures and functions of the TCAB, strengthening removal of unsuccessful claimants, enhancing detention and combating unlawful employment, and empowering the Secretary for Security to make regulations for the implementation of the "Advanced Passenger Information" system.
S for S speaks on arrest of reporter on suspicion of making false declaration
4.11.2020

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 (November 4): Reporter: Mr Lee, is it a case of selective prosecution? Because Bao Choy is not the only one doing the car plate registration search. Why are you saying that this is not a case targeting the media industry? Secretary for Security: It is a case which is investigated as a result of a complaint. If Police receive a complaint, they have to act accordingly and do investigation according to what the complaint is all about. It is a reactive investigation as a result of a complaint. It is the case's circumstances which decide which is the subject of investigation. This is no different from any investigation that the Police have been doing as a result of a complaint. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Security Bureau strongly condemns dissemination of fake news
5.8.2020

The Security Bureau noticed that someone disseminated fake news on social media today (August 5), misleading members of the public that the Secretary for Security had stated that the Government would arrest or punish diplomatic personnel from countries that interfere in Hong Kong affairs and their nationals in Hong Kong. A spokesman for the Security Bureau stated that this is fake news with intention to create issues. The spokesman strongly condemns the ill-willed act of disseminating this fake news.
S for S speaks on national security law
24.6.2020

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 (June 24): Reporter: Secretary, since the laws could be enforced as soon as July 1, where will suspects be held from then on? For how long? And is the Police going to be in charge of them? And because reports said authorities are looking to set up a special detention facility for them, is that part of the preparation work the Police is doing? Secretary for Security: We have to wait until the proper promulgation of the law so that we will know exactly what the law says and requires us to do. The preparation work is to ensure that when the law is promulgated, on which it becomes effective law in Hong Kong, how we are going to carry out our duties. So the preparation work is to ensure that we will be able to discharge that functions and responsibilities. As to how we will carry out those functions and responsibilities, first of all, we'll have to wait for the details of the provisions. Second is, when we implement, what will be required? We will basically be doing what the law actually asks us to do. If the current practice satisfies the requirement, then we will be basically carrying out our duty in that way. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
S for S and heads of six disciplined services departments fully support legislative work for safeguarding national security in HKSAR
21.6.2020

An official of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) made an explanatory statement at the 19th session of the Standing Committee of the 13th NPC on June 18 on a draft law on safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China. The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee; the Commissioner of Police, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Hermes Tang; the Director of Fire Services, Mr Joseph Leung; the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Woo Ying-ming; the Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang and the Controller of the Government Flying Service, Captain Wu Wai-hung fully support the enactment of the legislation by the Central Authorities to safeguard national security in the HKSAR. The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, will lead the disciplinary forces to discharge their duties, ensuring the effective implementation of the relevant law in Hong Kong for safeguarding national security. The HKSAR Government agrees that, as proposed in the draft law, HKSAR should establish a commission for safeguarding national security to be chaired by the Chief Executive, as well as set up dedicated units in the Hong Kong Police Force and the Department of Justice which will shoulder the major responsibilities in implementing the relevant enforcement work. The Security Bureau will render its full support and is undertaking the relevant preparatory work. The enactment of the legislation for the HKSAR to safeguard national security aims to prevent, curb and sanction criminal acts of secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign or external forces which endanger national security. It will only target an extremely small minority of criminals who endanger national security, while the safety and basic rights of the vast majority of law-abiding Hong Kong citizens will be protected, and safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. The draft law requires the protection of the rights of suspects, as well as the legitimate rights enjoyed by members of the public, legal persons or organisations in accordance with the Basic Law. The relevant legislation will not affect the various rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the law. Mr Lee said, "Each country has its national security laws and specific enforcement agencies. It is the duty of every responsible government to have such laws. Safeguarding national security and the rule of law in Hong Kong is the cornerstone to maintain 'One Country, Two Systems', ensuring the long-term stability and safety of Hong Kong. People can enjoy a peaceful life, society restores peace, people's livelihood and the economy resume development, and Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability are preserved."
S for S visits Macao (with photo)
19.6.2020

The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, visited Macao this afternoon (June 19) to learn more about the work on safeguarding national security there and its latest developments. He concluded the visit and returned to Hong Kong tonight. Mr Lee called on the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), Mr Ho Iat-seng, today. Mr Ho briefed him on the legislative process, considerations and experiences in relation to Macao's enactment of the national security law. Mr Lee then met with the Secretary for Security of Macao, Mr Wong Sio-chak, to exchange views on Macao's experiences regarding its implementation of the national security law since 2009. During the meeting and related exchanges, Mr Lee learned that Macao has put in place effective measures at the policymaking and implementation levels to safeguard national security. These include the establishment of the National Security Committee headed by the Chief Executive in 2018 to formulate policies and co-ordinate initiatives with an office headed by the Secretary for Security of Macao to oversee the co-ordination and implementation work. The Macao authorities are planning to set up new government departments and divisions to strengthen enforcement of national security. According to the decision of the National People's Congress, introduction of the national security law applicable to Hong Kong aims to prevent, stop and punish the acts and activities seriously endangering national security. During the exchanges, Mr Lee learned about Macao authorities' experiences in such areas, including the importance of preventive work in reducing threats to national security. Information indicates that since Macao's enactment of the national security law in 2009, its society has become more stable and the economy has developed in a desirable manner. In 2019, its gross domestic product was 2.5 times as much as before the law became effective, while that year the unemployment rate marked a record low and the number of inbound travellers has since risen by 80 per cent. This has shown that the law has had a positive impact on Macao's society and has enabled a more robust economic development. The example of Macao shows that national security is an important prerequisite and foundation for maintaining the prosperity and stability of society. Mr Lee held that introducing the national security law applicable to Hong Kong ensures its long-term security and helps continue the development of its economy and people's livelihoods. Macao and Hong Kong are both special administrative regions and Macao's experience is worthy of reference for Hong Kong. The exchanges today help Hong Kong better prepare for its implementation of the national security law. Mr Lee expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR and the Secretary for Security of Macao, adding that he was grateful to the Macao authorities for arranging the visit today.
S for S speaks on national security law
2.6.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council Panel on Security meeting today (June 2): Reporter: How would you tell Beijing? I mean some people don't like the national security law, how would you tell them? How exactly would you advise them on the prosecution part? Secretary for Security: I think I will reflect the views of different people. There are people who support it and people who do not. Obviously I will reflect what is happening in Hong Kong and what I have heard. I am in charge of the enforcement side, so I will do my best to reflect how law enforcement agencies operate under the common law system, how the collection of evidence and presentation of evidence will take place in court and how some common law principles will be applied in the adjudication of the cases. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
S for S fully supports draft Decision on establishing and improving legal system and enforcement mechanisms for HKSAR to safeguard national security
25.5.2020

The National People's Congress (NPC) will deliberate a draft Decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security (the Decision). The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, fully supports the Decision by the NPC and will lead all disciplinary forces to discharge their duties for safeguarding national security. In the past year, the violence in Hong Kong has been escalating, with many cases involving explosives and genuine firearms. Terrorism is growing in the city and activities which harm national security, such as "Hong Kong independence", become more rampant. Society is filled with violence and has lost its peace. In just a few months, Hong Kong has changed from one of the safest cities in the world to a city shrouded in the shadow of violence. The radical and violent acts that occurred on Hong Kong Island yesterday (May 24) have severely blocked the traffic. The rioters had gone on a rampage. Many shops were vandalised and a number of innocent citizens and police officers were injured. Some protesters waving flags advocating "Hong Kong independence". The Secretary for Security strongly condemns the acts of the rioters' and advocates of "Hong Kong Independence", and expresses his full support to the Police to strictly enforce the law. Today's incident proves the need and urgency of the Decision to be deliberated by the NPC. Mr Lee said, "I fully support the NPC's draft Decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security which allows Hong Kong to be back on track, ensuring its long-term prosperity and stability."
Police's response to Thematic Study Report released by IPCC
15.5.2020

In response to the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC)'s Thematic Study Report on the &ldquo;Public Order Events arising from the Fugitive Offenders Bill since June 2019 and the Police Actions in Response&rdquo; (&ldquo;the report&rdquo;) announced today (May 15), a Police spokesperson gave the following response: Police acknowledge and accept the IPCC's report, and are grateful for the precious time and effort the IPCC Chairman and members have contributed in conducting a comprehensive review within a short period of time and offered various constructive improvement measures on police handling of large-scale public order events. Police will seriously examine the IPCC's report and will participate in and fully collaborate with the taskforce steered by Secretary for Security with a view to studying in detail and following up on the 52 recommendations proposed in the report.
New call-up programme for Hong Kong residents born in 1957 to 1963 and 1970 to 1976 to apply for new smart identity cards
6.5.2020

The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (May 6) that in light of the more stabilised epidemic situation, the operation of all nine Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres (SIDCCs) (at Annex I) under the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise (Replacement Exercise) will be fully resumed from May 11, 2020. To avoid the increased risk of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to excessive crowding, the ImmD earlier suspended the replacement of Hong Kong identity cards (HKICs) at nine SIDCCs under the Replacement Exercise. To arrange for those persons affected by the service suspension to replace their HKICs in an orderly manner, the Secretary for Security has made an Amendment Order to revise the specified periods for persons born in 1957 to 1963 and 1970 to 1976, and the arrangement for members of the sixth term of District Councils, which are as follows: Eligible persons Revised application period Holders of existing HKICs born in 1957, 1958 or 1959 November 16, 2019 - July 27, 2020 Holders of existing HKICs born in 1960 or 1961, and members of the sixth term of District Councils February 18 - July 27, 2020 Holders of existing HKICs born in 1962 or 1963 July 28 - September 22, 2020 Holders of existing HKICs born in 1970, 1971 or 1972 September 23 - December 7, 2020 Holders of existing HKICs born in 1973 or 1974 December 8, 2020 - January 28, 2021 Holders of existing HKICs born in 1975 or 1976 January 29 - March 19, 2021 In consideration of the possibility that the replacement of HKICs may need to be suspended again in the near future to cope with a sudden turn of the epidemic situation, the Amendment Order also provides that if all SIDCCs are not in service for a period of 21 working days or more from May 11 to July 27, 2020, for public health reasons, the specified periods of the abovementioned persons will be further extended or amended (at Annex II). The Amendment Order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on May 13, 2020, for negative vetting. An ImmD spokesman said, "If the call-up programme has to be further adjusted for public health reasons, the ImmD will make announcement in advance as far as possible through various channels to inform the public of the latest arrangement. "To reduce crowd gatherings, applicants who have not made appointment bookings previously should do so via the Internet ( www.gov.hk/newicbooking ), the ImmD mobile application or the 24-hour telephone booking hotline 2121 1234. The ImmD also appeals to applicants to pre-fill the application form when making appointment bookings through the Internet or mobile application to save the waiting time," the ImmD spokesman said. For details of the replacement exercise, please visit the website www.smartid.gov.hk or call the ImmD's enquiry hotline at 2824 6111.
Transcript of remarks by S for S
22.4.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session before attending the meeting of the Legislative Council this morning (April 22): Reporter: Secretary, do you feel relief that you are not included this time for replacement in the cabinet reshuffle? How do you respond to calls against you being the person to be held accountable for the extradition bill saga? Secretary for Security: I will not comment on news reports of this nature. But I am the official who proposed the amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and I have previously said a lot of things about the whole process. I will make no further comment. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
LCQ11: Filter masks produced by Correctional Services Department
18.3.2020

Following is a question by Dr Hon Helena Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, in the Legislative Council today (March 18): Question: The Government stated on February 1 this year that before the occurrence of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) had supplied face masks produced by it to certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the quantity of face masks produced by CSD last year; among them, the quantity of those supplied to NGOs, with a breakdown by name of NGO; and (2) whether NGOs are required to pay for the face masks supplied; if so, of the criteria for determining the charges; if not, whether the Government has established a mechanism for monitoring the use of such face masks to prevent such face masks from being sold for profits or transferred to non-specified users; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President, Filter masks produced by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) are mainly supplied to the Government Logistics Department (GLD) for allocation to government departments. My reply to Dr Hon Helena Wong's question is as follows: (1) In 2019, CSD produced about 1.1 million filter masks per month on average, which were mainly supplied to GLD. Moreover, some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as social welfare organisations and schools procured a total of about 120 000 masks during the year from CSD, amounting to less than 1 per cent of the total production. CSD is unable to disclose details of the NGOs which procured masks from it as third party information is involved. In the light of the development of COVID-19 infection, there is a rapid increase in demand for filter masks from government departments. As such, CSD has ceased to take orders other than from GLD since January 2020. Moreover, the mask production facilities in Lo Wu Correctional Institution gradually increased the production and has reached 24-hour operation. CSD has also recruited over 1 200 off-duty or retired CSD officers as volunteers to participate in the production of masks, increasing the production to about 2.5 million masks per month. Among them, 1.8 million masks are supplied to GLD, whereas the remaining 700 000 masks are set aside for distribution to cleansing workers engaged by outsourced cleaning service contractors through relevant departments (including the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Housing Department, Government Property Agency, Marine Department, Customs and Excise Department (in respect of the Shenzhen Bay Port Hong Kong Port Area)). (2) The price of the masks sold to NGOs is determined by cost, which is about $0.13 each. The handling of the masks after-sales rests upon the NGOs which procured them.