kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
S for S distributes surgical masks to elderly in Ma On Shan (with photos)
25.2.2020

The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, visited Yiu On Estate in Ma On Shan this afternoon (February 25) to distribute anti-epidemic bags and leaflets with health information to elderly families, reminding them to maintain good personal hygiene and to stay vigilant against the spread of disease. During the visit, Mr Lee distributed the anti-epidemic bags with surgical masks, alcohol-based hand rub and other daily necessities to the elderly. He chatted with them to better understand the impact of the epidemic on their daily life, wished them good health and also conveyed the Government's warmest regards to them. Joining Mr Lee on the visit were representatives of the New Territories Association of Societies. To win the fight against the epidemic, Mr Lee appealed to the public to act in concert by joining hands with the Government to prevent and control the disease.
S for S deeply saddened by death of three Customs officers
22.1.2020

The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, today (January 22) was deeply saddened by the death of three Customs officers whilst on duty last night (January 21) and offered his deepest condolences to their family members. "I am deeply grieved at the passing of the three officers. The Government and the Customs and Excise Department will render their family members full support and assistance they may require, helping them to tide over this difficult time," Mr Lee said. Mr Lee also expressed sympathy to the other two officers who were injured in the incident and wished them a speedy recovery.
S for S visits polling stations to ensure election conducted in safe and orderly manner (with photos)
19.12.2021

âThe 2021 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) is held today (December 19). The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, visited polling stations in various districts and the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre of the Security Bureau activated for the election soon after he voted at a polling station at To Kwa Wan this morning to ensure safe and orderly conduct of election. He also gave the personnel on duty words of encouragement. He visited the polling stations in Mong Kwok and Wong Tai Sin this morning and those in Kwai Chung, Tuen Mun and Hong Kong Island West in the afternoon. Mr Tang said that this election is of large scale and of paramount importance to all people in Hong Kong. With the determined efforts by relevant Government departments and their staff in carrying out the preparatory work, the election could be conducted in a smooth and orderly manner. He also said that the new Electronic Poll Register system for issuing ballot papers is operating smoothly which enabled him to complete the voting process in a short period of time. He emphasised that the Security Bureau and its disciplined services departments have stayed vigilant to the situation on the LCGE today. If anyone who attempts to disrupt the election, law enforcement agencies will take resolute law enforcement action and not allow culprits to remain at large. Mr Tang appealed to all eligible electors who have yet to vote to cast their votes at their respective polling stations as soon as possible to elect lawmakers who love the country and Hong Kong and work for the interest of people in Hong Kong.
S for S and heads of disciplined services departments appeal to colleagues to vote in LegCo election (with photo)
13.12.2021

The 2021 Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election will be held this Sunday (December 19). The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, issued an email today (December 13) to colleagues in the Security Bureau and members of disciplined services departments, appealing them to cast votes on the polling day by exercising their civil rights to elect capable LegCo members. The heads of six disciplined services departments under the Security Bureau (SB) also reminded their colleagues to vote. "This is the first LegCo election after improving the electoral system and implementing 'patriots administering Hong Kong'. Members of the public are expecting the new-term of the LegCo to function effectively and serve diligently for the good of the people. Voting is not only a civil right every eligible elector enjoys, but also a responsibility every citizen who loves Hong Kong should shoulder. As public officers, as core members of the Government, we are obliged to take practical action to support this election," Mr Tang said. He appealed to colleagues to not only vote, but also encourage their families and friends to support this significant election, using their votes to elect representatives in the LegCo to lay a solid foundation for the implementation of 'patriots administering Hong Kong', thereby contributing to the future development of the city. Since this election is of large scale, Mr Tang emphasised that the SB and its disciplined services departments had geared up to ensure the election could be conducted in a safe and orderly manner without any disturbance.
S for S speaks on Nathan Law and immigration officers receiving gifts
8.12.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session after attending an event today (December 8): Reporter: Secretary, it's not the first time immigration officials received advantages from Evergrande. Are you concerned about this, and do you think the ICAC should investigate? And my second question is what is the Government going to do about Nathan Law, as you accused him in your blog post that he has violated the National Security Law? Secretary for Security: First of all, regarding the allegation of our immigration officers accepting some gifts, I think they have given an account of the incident and the Immigration Department is going to investigate. I think after the conclusion of the investigation, we can comment further. Regarding Nathan Law, as I said, someone even betrays his own country for the political objective of foreign countries. I think this behaviour should be condemned. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Tokyo Olympic Games Mainland Olympians meet with disciplined services staff members (with photos/video)
4.12.2021

Five athlete representatives from the delegation of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Mainland Olympians, which arrived in Hong Kong yesterday (December 3) for a three-day visit, met with disciplined services staff members, spoke on their experiences and gave sports demonstrations at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy this morning (December 4). The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the heads of six disciplined services departments extended a warm welcome to the five athletes on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. The five athletes were from the country's weightlifting and athletics teams. They were Li Fabin (men's 61 kg weightlifting), Chen Lijun (men's 67 kg weightlifting), Gong Lijiao (women's shot put), Liu Shiying (women's javelin) and Su Bingtian (men's 100 metres). Around 500 participants took part in the event. Apart from staff members of the disciplined services, the participants also included members of various youth uniformed groups of the disciplined services and their respective management committees. Spectators were not only able to see the five Mainland Olympians showcase their talents up close, but also listened to the sharing of their success tips. In his opening speech, Mr Tang especially thanked the General Administration of Sport of China and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR for arranging for the Mainland Olympians to meet with disciplined services staff members during their busy schedule, which demonstrated the Central Government's support and recognition for the Hong Kong disciplined services departments. He encouraged disciplined services officers and youth uniformed group members to learn from the Mainland Olympians' perseverance and hardworking attitude, and better equip themselves to contribute more to the country and Hong Kong. The event also included a car-pulling challenge to raise funds for Special Olympics Hong Kong. Mr Tang thanked the members of the management committees of the uniformed groups for their generous donation, which added to the success of this event.
Transcript of remarks by S for S after Fight Crime Committee meeting (with video)
3.12.2021

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 3): Reporter: First, my question would be about some pollsters are conducting about the LegCo elections. In your opinion, Secretary, would pollsters be breaching the law by including the options of blank vote or not voting in their survey? And, in your opinion, why would presenting the survey results and actual opinions reflected by the public be deemed as inciting the others not to vote in an election? â My second question is regarding the reports by Stand News about smart prison technologies. It has been quoted in these reports by human rights or by refugees studies academics that basically the smart technology used might not be in compliance with some human rights or privacy considerations. And I quote from the report saying that "it is crazy to basically ask detainees to be wearing these handbands when they are already in prisons". So how would you respond to these accusations? Thank you. Secretary for Security: First of all, regarding your first question, I think whether an individual person, his individual act is legal or illegal, it all depends on individual circumstances. It would be very difficult to comment as such. I will say, if anyone, they have an intention in their action to commit an offence, they will be subject to investigation. And if evidence is available, we will proceed with arrest and charge. But if someone has no intention to commit an offence and they do not have any action to commit an offence, there is nothing for them to worry. â And you talk about smart prison. I think what we are doing is trying to facilitate the living of the detainees inside the institution. I think everything is in compliance with the laws of Hong Kong. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SB responds to media enquiries
5.11.2021

âIn response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Security Bureau said today (November 5) that the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, has undergone a minor surgery at a hospital due to inflammation in an injured elbow. His work has not been affected.
S for S inspects Castle Peak Bay Immigration Centre and Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development (with photos)
28.10.2021

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, inspected the Castle Peak Bay Immigration Centre (CIC) and Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development (ISITD) today (October 28) to learn more about their facilities and operation. Mr Tang, accompanied by the Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang, was briefed on the operation and management of the CIC by the centre's personnel. Mr Tang then inspected various facilities in the CIC, including the dayrooms, dormitories, special units, exercise yard and sick bay. He also met and exchanged views with the centre's personnel to know more about their work, as well as the difficulties and challenges they face under a heavy workload. The CIC is one of the detention facilities of the Immigration Department (ImmD), and has a maximum capacity of 500 detainees. The detainees at the CIC are illegal immigrants, overstayers, or persons refused permission to land in Hong Kong. They are pending removal. Among them, some are non-refoulement claimants. Under the law and prevailing detention policy, the ImmD will consider all the facts and circumstances of any particular case, including whether the person concerned has committed a serious crime and whether there is any risk of the person absconding or reoffending. Regular and timely reviews of each case will also be conducted to determine whether an individual should be further detained. Mr Tang then visited the ISITD to learn about its organisation, training programmes and facilities. He also inspected "National Education" and "Immigration Control and Passenger Clearance" classes to gain a deeper understanding of the training provided by the ImmD. Mr Tang said that national education is conducive to trainees' understanding of national development and helps engender a sense of national identity, which nurtures them into law enforcement officers with a sense of belonging to the country, an affection for Hong Kong and an international perspective. Mr Tang took the opportunity to express gratitude to ImmD personnel for upholding the values of "integrity and impartiality" by performing various duties even-handedly and serving the community with dedication and professionalism all along.
S for S speaks on Chan Tong-kai's case
20.10.2021

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 (October 20): Reporter: Mr Tang, what do you think when a murder suspect is not put on trial for murder? And has this endangered the safety of the territory? Second question, what is the possible role of your bureau in this case now and in the future? Thank you. Secretary for Security: I think everyone in Hong Kong has to face (the consequence of) anything that he has committed in Hong Kong. And in this case, Mr Chan has already served his sentence for his offence concerned that happened in Hong Kong. And your second question is? Reporter: What is the possible role of your bureau in this case now and in the future? The sentence served is not related to the murder. What do you think about the city's safety? Secretary for Security: I think people who have served their sentence regarding the offence that they have committed, they are free; they are free persons as everyone in the city. They are free people. They can do whatever they want within the law, of course. But I think the whole issue is that Taiwan, China, does not allow Mr Chan to go to Taiwan to face his responsibility. Here, I would like to reiterate, no matter what Taiwan, China, does, it will not change the fact that Taiwan is part of China. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SB expresses deep regret over misleading report by Citizens News
9.10.2021

Regarding online media Citizens News' attempt to mislead its readers about the remarks on the legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law (BL 23) made by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at the press conference on "The Chief Executive's 2021 Policy Address", a spokesman for the Security Bureau today (October 9) expressed deep regret over such report which had misled the members of the public. The spokesman said, "When responding to whether the legislation on BL 23 would undermine the freedom of speech, the Secretary for Security clearly explained that criminal liability should consist of elements of actus reus (guilty act) and mens rea (guilty mind). In addition, there should be sufficient evidence and the Department of Justice would decide whether to prosecute or not after due consideration of the sufficiency of evidence. Prosecution is never a hasty decision, and people would not be found guilty for simply saying certain things." The spokesman said, "Relevant reports by multiple media are in line with the Secretary for Security's remarks above. It was misleading for Citizen News to report that the Secretary for Security refused to guarantee that the freedom of speech will not be undermined with the legislation on BL 23. We express our regret over its report."
S for S visits CLP Power Low Carbon Energy Education Centre (with photos)
5.10.2021

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, visited the CLP Power Low Carbon Energy Education Centre (LCEEC) and the Mechanical Engineering Department's Nuclear Reactor Simulation Laboratory at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) today (October 5) to exchange views on the development and safety of nuclear power with personnel of CityU and CLP. Accompanied by the senior management of CityU and CLP, Mr Tang visited the LCEEC and listened to an introduction about the design and operation of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station. He then visited the Nuclear Reactor Simulation Laboratory and observed an expert demonstration by the Mechanical Engineering Department on how nuclear power stations handle nuclear accidents. Throughout the visit, Mr Tang exchanged views with the senior management of CityU and CLP on issues including the future development of nuclear power and nuclear safety. Mr Tang said that our country has maintained a good nuclear safety record for a long period of time, and ranks among the best in the world in the operation and construction of nuclear power stations. However, since drawing up a sound contingency plan is a requirement of good emergency management, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has put in place a comprehensive Daya Bay Contingency Plan to set out appropriate measures to be adopted by various departments as and when necessary. The HKSAR Government attaches great importance to nuclear safety. We will continue to closely communicate with the relevant local institutions as well as the relevant national ministries and commission to enhance our nuclear emergency preparedness, with a view to minimising the possible public health risks to Hong Kong people in the unlikely event of accidents.
S for S deeply saddened by death of Senior Police Inspector
27.9.2021

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today (September 27) was deeply saddened by the death of Senior Inspector of Marine Region, Ms Lam Yuen-yee, and offered his deepest condolences to her family. "I am deeply grieved to hear of the unfortunate loss of Senior Inspector Lam Yuen-yee when she was on duty. The Security Bureau and the Police will make every effort to support and help the family of the late Ms Lam," Mr Tang said. Senior Inspector Lam fell into the sea and went missing whilst on duty on Saturday (September 25). Her body was found in Yi O, Lantau Island, this morning. Mr Tang also expressed sympathy to the other three officers injured while carrying out their duties with Ms Lam, and wished them a speedy recovery.
S for S speaks on Hong Kong Alliance and Double Tenth
25.9.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (September 25): Reporter: Secretary, Hong Kong Alliance has kind of given a response yesterday. What are the next steps you guys will take? Members of the alliance will discuss on disbandment this afternoon, would that make any difference to the next step of the authority? Secretary for Security: First of all, we would look at the explanations given by the Alliance. This is my responsibility to incorporate their explanations into my submission to the Chief Executive-in-Council to decide whether we are going to request the Companies Registry to delete the company from the list. Reporter: Regarding October 10th, people celebrate to mark the Xinhai Revolution on that day, would that be against the law? And what would actually be against the law? Secretary for Security: Actually, we have to look at individual cases on its own merits. The principle here is very clear. Taiwan is part of China. Anyone who tries to make Taiwan depart from China may constitute the secession offence under the National Security Law. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
S for S reviews Fire Services passing-out parade (with photos)
23.9.2021

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, reviewed the 190th Fire Services passing-out parade for nine station officers, eight senior firemen/senior firewomen of the Mobilising and Communications Group, 53 firemen and 16 ambulancemen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy today (September 23). Speaking at the parade, Mr Tang said that the fire and ambulance services are vital elements in maintaining the safety of Hong Kong, and that fire and ambulance personnel constantly encounter various risks and challenges while discharging their duties. Mr Tang mentioned that he had visited the headquarters of the Fire Services Department (FSD) and Tsim Tung Fire Station last month to better understand the work of the FSD personnel and exchange views with the front-line personnel. The FSD members remain steadfast in carrying out their duties, showing professionalism and exceptional bravery. Mr Tang hoped that the graduates could see their seniors as role models, based on the solid foundation they have established to uphold the faith and continue to pass it on. He added, "The FSD's services are further developing their professionalism. In fact, the department spares no effort to strive for excellence on various aspects, including firefighting, special rescue, ambulance services, communications and fire prevention. In recent years, the FSD has established a number of emergency rescue specialist teams to enhance frontline personnel's firefighting and rescue capabilities and operational safety." Mr Tang said that fire and ambulance work involve immediate rescue and treatment services, bringing hope to people who are in extreme plights. The FSD's unremitting and concerted efforts to safeguard Hong Kong are widely recognised by society. The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 86 graduates will be posted to various fire stations, ambulance depots and the Fire Services Communications Centre.
Hong Kong and Russia sign agreements on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and transfer of sentenced persons (with photos)
21.9.2021

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation, Mr Konstantin Chuychenko, signed bilateral agreements on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters (MLA) and on transfer of sentenced persons (TSP) through video conference today (September 21) on behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Government of the Russian Federation (Russia) respectively. "Both Hong Kong and Russia are committed players in the international efforts to fight crimes. The signing of the agreements on MLA and TSP today represents an important step forward in legal co-operation between Hong Kong and Russia," Mr Tang said at the signing ceremony. Under the Basic Law, the Government of the HKSAR may, with the authorisation of the Central People's Government, make appropriate arrangements with foreign states for reciprocal juridical assistance. The MLA agreement between the Government of the HKSAR and the Government of Russia contains the essential features and safeguards of international agreements of this type. Assistance covered by the agreement includes identifying and locating persons, serving documents, taking evidence, executing requests for search and seizure, providing information, and confiscating proceeds of crime. The TSP agreement embodies the shared conviction of Hong Kong and Russia that allowing sentenced persons to return to their places of origin, where there are no language or cultural barriers and where friends and relatives can pay more regular visits, is conducive to their rehabilitation. Hong Kong's policy is therefore to facilitate such transfers between Hong Kong and other jurisdictions as far as possible. A list of the major bilateral international agreements (including MLA and TSP agreements) of the HKSAR which have come into force can be found at www.doj.gov.hk/en/external/international_agreements.html .