kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
1.11.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council (ExCo) meeting today (November 1): Reporter: Good morning Mr Lee. (Financial Secretary) Paul Chan will likely test positive for COVID on arrival on a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. Will he undergo isolation or will an exception be made in light of these events? And next, you say that the Government will act in accordance with the law. When the Government lost a case over vaccine exemption certificates, rather than accepting the verdict, it chose to change the law within a matter of days. Do you feel this sends a wrong message when it comes to Hong Kong's rule of law? Chief Executive: First of all, the Financial Secretary, on his arrival, will do his PCR test, so we'll wait until his result (is out). And of course, if he's found to be infected, he will have to isolate himself. We'll deal with his case according to the result. The second thing, I think your question is very misleading. The Government acts in accordance with the law. That is the priority principle that we have been adopting. The judgment indicates that there is a gap which needs to be filled, and therefore, according to the judgment, we take action to fill that gap to ensure that the action we take has a strong legal basis. So that is in full compliance with the principle of the rule of law. Then the question is whether we will appeal or not, and we have already issued a statement to indicate the Government's position. We have a duty to take care of public health speedily and efficiently. And that is the reason why we have been rolling out different measures. When we acted, it was under this firm belief. If the judgment indicates that despite the good intention of the Government, there is a need to ensure that the legal basis is strong and full, and according to that principle, we'll take action to ensure that we have a strong legal basis so that we can make sure that we act in accordance with the law. That's the principle of the rule of law. Exactly, that's a very strong example that we are upholding the principle of the rule of law. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, November 1, 2022 Issued at HKT 14:05 NNNN
Re-appointment of Panel Judge under Interception of Communications and Surveillance Ordinance
28.10.2022

The Government announced today (October 28) that the Chief Executive, on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, has re-appointed Mr Justice Barnabas Fung Wah, a Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, as a Panel Judge under the Interception of Communications and Surveillance Ordinance (Chapter 589) for another term of three years from November 4, 2022, to November 3, 2025. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, "I am grateful to Mr Justice Barnabas Fung Wah for his full dedication in handling the law enforcement agencies' applications for authorisations under the Ordinance during the past six years. I am confident that he, on re-appointment, will continue to work with the other two Panel Judges, Madam Justice Lisa Wong Kwok-ying and Mr Justice Poon Siu-tung, to make use of their expertise and experience to ensure the effective operation of the regulatory regime under the Ordinance." The Ordinance provides a comprehensive statutory framework for regulating the conduct of interception and covert surveillance by law enforcement agencies, and aims to strike a balance between maintaining law and order and protecting the privacy rights of individuals. Under the Ordinance, Panel Judges shall consider applications for authorisations of interception and Type 1 surveillance and for device retrieval warrants. Ends/Friday, October 28, 2022 Issued at HKT 11:15 NNNN
Post-office employment for former politically appointed officials
18.10.2022

The Advisory Committee on Post-office Employment for Former Chief Executives and Politically Appointed Officials has advised on the proposed employment of Mr Wong Kam-sing, former Secretary for the Environment; Mr Alfred Sit Wing-hang, former Secretary for Innovation and Technology; and Dr David Chung Wai-keung, former Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology, after their departure from the Government on July 1, 2022. The Advisory Committee considers that, subject to the observance of certain restrictions it has advised, the proposed employment of the aforementioned former politically appointed officials would not give rise to any potential conflict of interest. The Advisory Committee also does not anticipate adverse public perception to arise from the proposed employment. The Advisory Committee considers and advises on the post-office employment or appointments for former politically appointed officials. In considering each case, the Advisory Committee has regard to the information provided by the former politically appointed official concerned, the assessments by relevant government bureaux or offices, and the criteria for advice as stipulated in the guidance notes on post-office employment for politically appointed officials. Details of the above-mentioned cases are available at the Advisory Committee's website ( www.ceo.gov.hk/poo/eng/index.htm ). The membership of the Advisory Committee is as follows: Professor Liu Pak-wai (Chairman) Mr Cheng Yan-kee Mr Simon Ip Sik-on Mrs Margaret Leung Ko May-yee Ms Lo Wing-sze Ends/Tuesday, October 18, 2022 Issued at HKT 16:01 NNNN
Chief Executive to deliver Policy Address to LegCo
17.10.2022

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat: The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (October 19) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Chief Executive will deliver the Policy Address. On motions, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology and Mr Tony Tse will move four separate proposed resolutions relating to plastic shopping bags under the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance and the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance. The proposed resolutions are set out in Appendices 1 to 4. The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website ( www.legco.gov.hk ). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the "Webcast" system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats. Ends/Monday, October 17, 2022 Issued at HKT 19:05 NNNN
CEO alerts public again to deceptive advertisements purported to be interviews with CE
13.10.2022

The Chief Executive's Office (CEO) today (October 13) again alerted members of the public to be on heightened vigilance against online deceptive advertisements purported to be interviews with the Chief Executive (CE), and urged them not to believe in fake information. The CEO strongly clarified that it has never issued or authorised such advertisements. The CE has never conducted the so-called interviews as claimed by such advertisements, and the remarks in the advertisements are all fictitious. The CEO recently again noted some deceptive advertisements and webpages, which carry the CE's name and news photos, on online portals. Such advertisements lure users to click on them, which takes them to suspicious transaction platforms. A spokesman for the CEO urged the public not to visit any suspicious websites via those advertisements or provide personal information to unknown websites. The CEO has reported the incident to the Police for follow-up investigation. Ends/Thursday, October 13, 2022 Issued at HKT 14:39 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
11.10.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council (ExCo) meeting today (October 11): Reporter: I want to follow up on the Russian sanctions and ask, the US (United States) has recently expressed concern that Hong Kong is increasingly being used as a place to avoid sanctions, mainly Russian oligarchies and companies. What is your response to that? And also, Mrs Carrie Lam was sanctioned and had to have her salary paid in cash because of that. What is that situation for you? Are you being paid in cash as well? Chief Executive: First of all, a particular country, because of that country's own consideration, decides to take any measures against anything, that is that country's decision. In Hong Kong, we respect the rule of law and we will do anything when there is a legal basis, when it is controlled by the law and the activities, in some ways, indicate that (they are not in accordance with the law). But, we will comply with any United Nations resolution on sanctions because Hong Kong has the legal basis to enforce it. And we will comply with United Nations' sanctions. That is our system. That is our rule of law. We cannot do and we will not do anything that has no legal basis. The second thing about the so-called sanction imposed on people in Hong Kong without justification, it is a very barbaric act. And I'm not going to comment on the effects of such barbaric act because officials in Hong Kong do what is right to protect the interests of the country and the interests of Hong Kong. So we will just laugh off the so-called sanctions. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, October 11, 2022 Issued at HKT 13:10 NNNN
Officer of CE&apos;s Office tests positive for COVID-19
9.10.2022

​A spokesman for the Chief Executive's Office today (October 9) said a staff member of the Office had tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid antigen test. The officer is the Communications Secretary of the Chief Executive's Office. He wore masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work. He has no recent travel history and last went to work on October 7. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, has taken COVID-19 rapid test and the result is negative. Ends/Sunday, October 9, 2022 Issued at HKT 19:45 NNNN
CE and Principal Officials call on public to receive seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations early
6.10.2022

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, together with a number of Principal Officials and Under Secretaries received seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) today (October 6) and called on members of the public to receive SIV early in preparation for the coming winter influenza season. Some of them also received COVID-19 vaccination concurrently today. Mr Lee said, "Receiving SIV this year is of particular importance for members of the public as compared with previous years. The COVID-19 epidemic and a series of anti-epidemic measures implemented in the past two years or so have led to relatively low levels of local seasonal influenza activity and overall immunity against influenza in the community. "A person may suffer from serious illnesses after getting infected with influenza. Co-infection with influenza and COVID-19 may result in more serious complications and even death. I call on all members of the public, especially high-risk groups, including the elderly and young children, to receive SIV early and the recommended dosage of COVID-19 vaccines to protect their health and lives." The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, who had received SIV and the fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccination concurrently last month, was also present to show support today. He said, "According to a consensus reached by the Scientific Committees under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) in August this year, COVID-19 vaccine can be administered with seasonal influenza vaccine at the same time. A number of venues, including designated facilities of the Hospital Authority and the DH, have been progressively providing vaccination services with both vaccines for eligible members of the public. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies afterwards, I strongly appeal to members of the public to receive vaccination early." Starting from today, Hong Kong residents aged 50 or above can also choose to receive free SIV on-site concurrently when they are there for COVID-19 vaccination at the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs). They can also make prior reservations for receiving both vaccinations through the booking system of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme . The 2022/23 Government Vaccination Programme, Vaccination Subsidy Scheme, Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach and Residential Care Home Vaccination Programme have commenced to provide free or subsidised SIV for eligible persons. Eligible persons include residents of residential care homes for the elderly and persons with disabilities as well as those in residential child care centres, children aged 6 months to under 12, persons aged 50 or above, pregnant women, persons with intellectual disability and recipients of Disability Allowance. For more information, members of the public may call the CHP at 2125 2125 or browse the dedicated webpage on Vaccination Schemes . Ends/Thursday, October 6, 2022 Issued at HKT 14:40 NNNN
Speech by CE at Shaw Prize Award Ceremony 2022
29.9.2022

​Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Shaw Prize Award Ceremony 2022 held online this evening (September 29): Shaw Laureates, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased, and honoured, to take part in the 2022 Shaw Prize Virtual Award Presentation ceremony. For nearly two decades now, the Shaw Prize Foundation, based here in Hong Kong, has managed one of the world's most coveted annual awards. The Shaw Prize celebrates distinguished achievement and significant advances in three disciplines: astronomy, life science and medicine, and mathematical sciences. Shaw Prize winners are selected by a Board of Adjudicators. This year's Board comprises 19 prestigious academics, scientists and researchers from renowned institutions in 10 countries and regions. They have chosen six Shaw Laureates, whose inspiring work reveals what can be accomplished in the lifetime pursuit of scientific excellence and societal progress. My congratulations to each of you. Your seminal achievements serve as role models for the next generation of scientists, here in Hong Kong and all over the world. They reaffirm, as well, my Government's commitment to science and to innovation and technology (I&T) - at every level of our educational system and every sector of our economy. Hong Kong is blessed with the support of our country's National 14th Five-Year Plan in developing into an international innovation and technology hub. To achieve this mission, we will work hand in hand with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to expand the scale of our outstanding research platforms. We will build up a healthy I&T ecosystem that attracts global experts and nurtures our own talents. I'm grateful to the Shaw Prize Foundation and its remarkable dedication to advancing our world through science. This year's Shaw Prize recipients brilliantly illustrate the profound value of your vision. I look forward to the opportunity of welcoming our laureates in person and sharing with you the exciting developments of our I&T scene at the next presentation. Thank you. Ends/Thursday, September 29, 2022 Issued at HKT 18:31 NNNN
Celebrations to mark 73rd National Day
29.9.2022

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and senior government officials will attend a flag-raising ceremony and a National Day reception on October 1 (Saturday) to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The flag-raising ceremony will be held at Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai at 8am. The Police Band will perform at the ceremony, and two singers, Alex Tam and Bobbie Zhang, will sing the national anthem, followed by a fly-past and a sea parade by the disciplined services. In view of the current public health risk, no public viewing area will be set up for the flag-raising ceremony on October 1. The celebration reception, led by the Chief Executive, will be held at the HKCEC after the flag-raising ceremony. Motorists are reminded that the Police will implement special traffic arrangements at Golden Bauhinia Square and the nearby area during the celebration events. Ends/Thursday, September 29, 2022 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
The Police Museum reopens after revitalisation
9.9.2022

The Police Museum (the Museum) held the reopening ceremony today (September 9). The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee gave a speech at the ceremony, and also unveiled the commemorative plaque with the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, the honourable guest Mr Tang Yat-sun, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management), Mr Chow Yat-ming, and the Director of Personnel and Training, Mr Choi Chin-pang. The Police College has completed the 28-month revitalisation project for the Police Museum. The Museum was replanned from a “people-oriented” perspective, with the addition of new interactive technology and sense of times to help visitors fully understand the history and the work of the Hong Kong Police Force. The Museum has four galleries including Orientation Gallery, Thematic Gallery, Serious Crime Gallery and Triad Society Gallery as well as a Multi-Function Room, exhibiting about 1,300 artefacts, which is a double of items displayed before its closure. The Museum provides free WIFI to facilitate visitors to download the new Police Museum App and connect to audio guide, so that visitors may learn more about the stories behind the exhibits. The Police College has also recruited a number of enthusiastic retired Force members as docent volunteers to provide visitors with a lively experience. The revitalised Museum has added a number of new features, such as the “Force’s Century-old Map” in the corridor which showcases the historical development of the Force over 170-odd years in animation. In addition, a “Police Memorial Wall” stands in the Orientation Gallery to commemorate the police officers who have died in the line of duty. The exhibition in the Thematic Gallery features the “HKSAR 25th Anniversary Celebrations and National Security” with the theme of “National Security Starts with Me”, with a view to enhancing the public’s understanding on national security. The new Serious Crime Gallery showcases the detection highlight of past landmark crime cases through video clips. Other new highlights include the digital photograph database “Force’s Historic Photo Album”; the interactive multimedia games “Smart Detective”; the “Holographic Elites” which uses holographic projection, as well as “VR Police Experience” that renders a taste of virtual reality. Many selfie spots have been added for visitors to take pictures, including the “Virtual Police Selfie Kiosk” and “AR Police Spot”, whereas the “Heritage Trail” in the outdoor has been decorated with staircase paintings and street murals. The Police Museum will be formally opened to the public on September 15. Admission is free. Starting from 10am tomorrow (September 10), members of the public can make reservation online via the Police Museum website www.police.gov.hk/museum/en/ . Ends/Friday, September 9, 2022 Issued at HKT 20:23 NNNN
CE expresses condolences on death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom
9.9.2022

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (September 9) expressed his profound sadness at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. "On behalf of the people and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, it is with great sadness that I express our profound condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Having reigned for 70 years, she was the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. She was greatly respected, admired and praised by the British people. ​"We send our deepest condolences to the people of the United Kingdom during this time of national mourning and reflection," Mr Lee said. Ends/Friday, September 9, 2022 Issued at HKT 14:26 NNNN
Sixth-term HKSAR Government convenes first meeting of Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR
3.9.2022

The sixth-term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) convened the first meeting of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR (the Committee) today (September 3). As stipulated in Article 12 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (National Security Law), the HKSAR shall establish the Committee for Safeguarding National Security. The Committee shall be responsible for affairs relating to and assume primary responsibility for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. It shall be under the supervision of and accountable to the Central People's Government. According to Article 13 of the National Security Law, the Committee is chaired by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee. Members comprise the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee; the Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security), Ms Edwina Lau; the Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang; the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip. A secretariat is established under the Committee and headed by the Secretary General, Mr Sonny Au. According to Article 15 of the National Security Law, the National Security Adviser designated by the Central People's Government, Mr Luo Huining, who is the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, sits in on meetings of the Committee. In accordance with Article 14 of the National Security Law, the duties and functions of the Committee shall be (1) analysing and assessing developments in relation to safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, making work plans and formulating policies for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR; (2) advancing the development of the legal system and enforcement mechanisms of the HKSAR for safeguarding national security; and (3) co-ordinating major work and significant operations for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. Ends/Saturday, September 3, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:05 NNNN
Ceremony to commemorate the Victory Day of Chinese People&apos;s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression
3.9.2022

​The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG) held an official ceremony today (September 3) at Hong Kong City Hall Memorial Garden to commemorate the Victory Day of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and senior government officials attended the ceremony this morning. It included the playing and singing of the national anthem, flag raising, Rifle Volley by the Police Rifle Squad, silence in mourning and bowing in tribute. Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, representatives of Central People's Government organisations in Hong Kong, the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, former Chief Executives of the HKSAR, members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council, representatives from war veteran groups, representatives of Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress, representatives of Hong Kong members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, representatives of Heung Yee Kuk, representatives from uniformed groups, etc., were also present at the ceremony. In 2014, the National People's Congress designated September 3 as the Victory Day of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in remembrance of the resistance of Chinese people against Japanese aggression and to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the conflict. Since then, the HKSARG has also hosted official commemorative activities in Hong Kong correspondingly. Ends/Saturday, September 3, 2022 Issued at HKT 10:20 NNNN