kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
18.5.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (May 18): Reporter: The so-called incentive plan for vaccinated people was not much of a difference. With Europe and the US opening up for travel by summer, is Hong Kong afraid of being left out of the social global reopening if it doesn't do more for vaccinated people? Second question, media reports that the authorities will crack down on the June 4 vigil, from organiser and citizens will be arrested, to District Council (members) will be disqualified. Can you confirm that? And when will the vigil be allowed to happen again? Thank you. Chief Executive: First of all, the foremost priority of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and indeed of many governments, is to keep the city safe, is to fight COVID-19. I realise it is important to resume a number of activities, to have some travelling with the Mainland and with overseas places, but nothing is more important than to keep the city safe and to keep our people safe. We will not sacrifice this very important mission just because we want to rush to resume travel. This highly responsible attitude is being displayed by Singapore and Hong Kong in postponing for a second time the Air Travel Bubble. I hope this is well appreciated by the people of Hong Kong and also by the global community because fighting COVID-19 is a global endeavour. We need solidarity and co-operation in order to effectively fight COVID-19. Having said that, I do confess we could do much better in terms of vaccination. We have enough supply - I said that we have administered 2 million doses, but we have another 2 million doses in our storeroom. We have a whole network of Community Vaccination Centres, and from today onwards, we are even reaching out to major companies which have the suitable venue for them to assemble their staff, say up to 150 and 200, and then we will send the medical team to provide vaccination to the staff onsite, the first dose and then later on the second dose. I doubt any places have that sort of service for their people to receive vaccination. I hope that the appeal is not so much to us, it's to the people of Hong Kong. That's why I said I am very pleased to read at least two editorials this morning, one in Chinese, saying that since we are approaching zero (infection), let's do more on vaccination. I think that's an appeal to the people. Then in the English newspaper it said that in light of the Taiwan experience, vaccination is the only way out. That is my response. On all the other things you have mentioned, they are speculative reports and I'm sorry, the Chief Executive does not wish to comment on speculative reports. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Issued at HKT 13:44 NNNN
HK innovations win acclaim at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva
17.5.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (May 17) officiated at the CE's Reception for Awardees of International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva 2021 to commend Hong Kong research and development (R&D) talents for their inventions winning worldwide acclaim. Among over 350 exhibitors this year, the Hong Kong delegation won 14 Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury, 47 Gold Medals, 61 Silver Medals and 14 Bronze Medals, totalling a record high of 136 awards (see Annex). Speaking at the reception, Mrs Lam said that the Hong Kong delegation comprised teams from universities, secondary schools, R&D centres, start-ups and government departments, reflecting a fervent innovation and technology (I&T) atmosphere in Hong Kong with flourishing I&T developments in the government, industry, academic and research sectors that exemplify Hong Kong's strong innovation and R&D capabilities. She said that, for the first time, the National 14th Five-Year Plan clearly states the support for Hong Kong to develop into an international I&T hub and has included the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Loop as one of the four major platforms of co-operation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This demonstrates the great importance the Central Government attaches to and its support for Hong Kong's I&T, and there will be much more room for further development. In addition, the Government has been promoting R&D through various measures, including the establishment of the InnoHK research clusters at Hong Kong Science Park, the introduction of the Global STEM Professorship Scheme and the development at full speed of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park located in the Lok Ma Chau Loop. The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva is the largest global exhibition devoted exclusively to inventions. All the exhibited inventions have been evaluated by an international jury of specialists. The event was held online for the first time this year, showcasing about 600 inventions from 24 countries and regions. Details are available at its website ( inventions-geneva.ch/en/home ). The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit; the Permanent Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Ms Annie Choi; and the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Ms Rebecca Pun, also attended the event today. Ends/Monday, May 17, 2021 Issued at HKT 18:35 NNNN
CE thanks labour sector for their contributions on Labour Day
1.5.2021

​The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (May 1), Labour Day, expressed her gratitude to the labour sector for their enduring contributions to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, pointing out that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will continue to strive to create and stabilise employment and improve labour welfare to enhance labour protection. She also appealed to members of the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible so that society and the economy can return to normal as soon as possible, thereby providing more job opportunities. In a video released on her social media platform, Mrs Lam said that the loyalty, hard work and stamina of Hong Kong's labour force has all along been the cornerstone of the city's success. Pointing out that over the past two years, Hong Kong's economy has been hard hit by the violent riots and the epidemic, putting the labour market under pressure with the latest unemployment rate reaching 6.8 per cent, she said that the HKSAR Government has made every effort to create and stabilise employment through a series of measures. The measures include those worth more than $300 billion rolled out under several rounds of the Anti-epidemic Fund and the Budget to safeguard jobs and relieve people's financial burden as far as possible. Mrs Lam said that the Government is also committed to improving labour welfare and has implemented various rights that the labour sector had been fighting for continually for years. The rights include the extension of statutory maternity leave from 10 weeks to 14 weeks since last December and the extension of statutory paternity leave from three days to five days since January 2019. Moreover, the Government submitted a bill last month proposing the progressive increase of the number of statutory holidays from 12 days to 17 days to place it on par with that of general holidays. The Government will also continue to press ahead with the preparatory work in relation to the abolition of the offsetting arrangement under the Mandatory Provident Fund, including formulating relevant legal provisions and enforcement details with a view to submitting a bill to the Legislative Council at the beginning of the next legislative year. On safeguarding employees' occupational safety and health, Mrs Lam said that the Government has increased the levels of compensation for work injuries and occupational diseases under employees' compensation-related ordinances starting in April this year, and that the Government also proposed legislative amendments to raise the maximum penalty for violating the laws on occupational safety and health in order to enhance the deterrent effect. The legislative amendments are expected to be completed within the current term of the Government. Noting that controlling the epidemic is still the most important task at present, she appealed to members of the public to get vaccinated as early as possible to protect oneself and others, and enable society and the economy to return to normal as soon as possible. Ends/Saturday, May 1, 2021 Issued at HKT 15:56 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
27.4.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (April 27): Reporter: Good Morning, Mrs Lam. Two questions. The first one, how will you see Beijing's strong criticism against the Bar Association's Chairman Paul Harris, denouncing him as an anti-China politician? What is your take on this? Is the Hong Kong Government going to take any actions against Mr Harris? The second question, do you think holding an annual June 4 vigil in Victoria Park may go against the national security law? How will you ensure Hong Kong people to have the freedom of expression in issues Beijing deems sensitive? Thank you. Chief Executive: Thank you for the two questions. Incidentally, in answering the first set of questions from the other reporter, I have mentioned, by referring to the blog of the Secretary for Justice issued yesterday that yes, Hong Kong respects and safeguards the individual rights and freedoms including the freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of protest and so on, but this is not an absolute right. This right could be restrained in accordance with the law in order to protect the rights of the other people - and the other people, normally, is the great majority of the Hong Kong people, and also to ensure law and order and stability in Hong Kong society. My answer to your first question is, yes, everybody has freedom of expression. They can say whatever they want to say in accordance with the law and as long as they do not deviate or breach the legal provision, I don't have any particular view on that. The Hong Kong Bar Association is a self-regulatory association, and operating in accordance with its own rules and regulations including the election of a chairman. For the time being, I do not see the case for any government intervention into the affairs of the Hong Kong Bar Association. But of course if there are instances or complaints about the Bar not acting in accordance with Hong Kong's law, then the Government will be called into action. Similarly, on your second question about whether certain gatherings could continue to be held and whether they will be in breach of the national security law, it much depends on what is going to happen in those gatherings and whether they will fall into the offences expressly prohibited in the national security law, that is, involved in secession, subversion of the Central Government, the Hong Kong SAR Government, engaging in terrorist activities or collusion with an external party to endanger national security. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, April 27, 2021 Issued at HKT 12:19 NNNN
CE to attend meeting of Leading Group for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
21.4.2021

After concluding her activities in relation to the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021 in Hainan, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will depart for Guangzhou this morning (April 21) to attend a meeting of the Leading Group for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area tomorrow (April 22). The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; and the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Mr Tommy Yuen, will join the trip. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong on April 23. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Issued at HKT 8:00 NNNN
CE to attend Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference
16.4.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will visit Hainan from April 18 to 21 to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021. The theme of this year's conference is "A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation". The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit, and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, will join the visit. Mrs Lam will depart for Hainan via Shenzhen in the evening of April 18. On April 20, she will attend the opening ceremony of the annual conference and will discuss with other guests at the sessions "Invigorate Development through Vibrant City Clusters: The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a Model" and the Women Roundtable. While in Hainan, she will also meet with the leaders of some ministries, provinces and cities. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong via Shenzhen on April 21. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be Acting Chief Executive, and the Executive Council will be in recess on April 20. Ends/Friday, April 16, 2021 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Appointment of Political Assistant
31.3.2021

The Chief Executive's Office announced today (March 31) that the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, has, on the recommendation of the Appointment Committee, appointed a Political Assistant of the fifth term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The newly appointed Political Assistant is the Political Assistant to the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Cheung Chun-lok. He will assume office on April 1. Following are the biographical notes on the new appointee: Mr Cheung Chun-lok ------------------ Aged 29, Mr Cheung was a Researcher of the Home Affairs Bureau, and undertook research projects. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, with a major in Government and Public Administration and a minor in Journalism and Communication, as well as a Master of Science degree in Professional Accounting and Corporate Governance from the City University of Hong Kong. He is a member of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong and a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies. Ends/Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
CE discusses with LegCo President follow-up work relating to improving electoral system
30.3.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (March 30) met with the President of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Mr Andrew Leung, to discuss with him local legislation and other follow-up work in relation to improving the electoral system. Mrs Lam told Mr Leung that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government fully welcomes and supports the approval by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures to improve the electoral system of the HKSAR. She said that the HKSAR Government will press ahead at full steam with the exercise of amending the relevant local electoral laws, with the introduction of the bill into LegCo in mid-April as the target. She is grateful to LegCo for accepting her earlier suggestion for LegCo to form a subcommittee under the House Committee to first deliberate on the main contents of the Decision of the National People's Congress and the amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law, so that upon the introduction of the bill by the HKSAR Government, the subcommittee would immediately be transformed into a Bills Committee to scrutinise the bill. She pointed out that taking into account the time needed for local legislation and preparatory work for the relevant election, the seventh-term LegCo election is expected to take place in December 2021. She told the LegCo President that the Government still has about 16 legislative proposals covering a wide range of economic and social matters that would require the scrutiny of LegCo in the coming few months and expressed the hope that the sixth-term LegCo can continue operation until the start of the electoral process of the seventh-term LegCo. Ends/Tuesday, March 30, 2021 Issued at HKT 19:43 NNNN
CE&apos;s statement in response to approval by Standing Committee of National People&apos;s Congress of amended Annex I and Annex II to Basic Law
30.3.2021

In response to the approval by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, issued the following statement today (March 30): I and the governing team of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government strongly support the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. The amendments improve the electoral system of the HKSAR, thereby establishing a political structure that upholds the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, reflects the actual situation of Hong Kong and ensures "patriots administering Hong Kong". I and the HKSAR Government will spare no effort in taking forward the necessary amendments to the local electoral legislation in accordance with the amended Annex I and Annex II. We will extensively explain the matters to the public such that more and more people will recognise the necessity and urgency of such improvements to the electoral system and render their support. After the passage of the local electoral legislation by the Legislative Council, the HKSAR Government will conduct and regulate election-related activities in accordance with the law in an orderly and efficient manner so as to implement the new electoral system. I will continue to lead my governing team to dutifully administer Hong Kong according to the rule of law, safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and maintain the overall stability of Hong Kong. I firmly believe that by improving the electoral system and implementing "patriots administering Hong Kong", the excessive politicisation in society and the internal rift that has torn Hong Kong apart can be effectively mitigated, thereby enhancing the governance capability of the HKSAR. The HKSAR will then be able to leverage our unique advantages and the staunch support of the Central Authorities to develop the economy and improve the livelihood of our citizens. The steadfast and successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems", as well as the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, will be assured. Ends/Tuesday, March 30, 2021 Issued at HKT 13:34 NNNN
CE appeals to public to actively get vaccinated against COVID-19
22.3.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, together with a number of Principal Officials, today (March 22) received the second dose of the Sinovac vaccine at the Central Government Offices. Mrs Lam appealed to the public to actively support the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, noting that they should make reservations and get vaccinated early to protect themselves and others. Mrs Lam said, "Vaccination is the most effective measure to fight against the epidemic. I and a number of Secretaries of Departments and Directors of Bureaux took the lead to receive the first dose of the Sinovac vaccine last month, hoping to encourage members of the public to participate in the Programme through our action. Since the Programme was launched about a month ago, more than 350,000 people have already received their first dose of a vaccine. Among them, those who received their first dose of the Sinovac vaccine will start to receive their second dose this week. "The two vaccines that have been authorised for emergency use in Hong Kong, i.e. the Sinovac vaccine and the Comirnaty vaccine, require people to receive two doses of the same vaccine to build up the due protection. The public should receive the second dose of vaccine according to the appointment date; otherwise all previous efforts would be wasted. "Given the tight supply of vaccines worldwide, Hong Kong is lucky enough to be able to procure for all residents sufficient COVID-19 vaccines that are in compliance with the safety, efficacy and quality requirements. I hope members of the public would grasp the chance to make reservations and get vaccinated as soon as possible. The more and the earlier people get vaccinated, the faster Hong Kong can navigate through the epidemic and restore people's life to normal. "The Programme is premised on science and data, and the Government has been disseminating the latest information on vaccines as well as the professional advice given by medical experts about vaccination through various channels. The public can obtain accurate information about vaccines through official channels, and should not rashly believe unfounded rumours or false information." After the Chief Executive and the officials got vaccinated at the Central Government Offices, some members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council also received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine there. Members of the public can visit the thematic website, www.covidvaccine.gov.hk , to make reservations for vaccination and to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines. Ends/Monday, March 22, 2021 Issued at HKT 14:31 NNNN