kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCMA inspects preparatory work and rehearsal sessions for Legislative Council General Election (with photos)
18.12.2021

The 2021 Legislative Council General Election will be held tomorrow (December 19). The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, today (December 18) visited different polling stations in various districts to inspect the preparatory work. He first inspected the polling stations located at North Point Community Hall and St Anna Anglo-Chinese Kindergarten in Quarry Bay this morning to get updates on the preparatory work for the election tomorrow and rehearsal sessions for electoral staff. He also visited the central counting station and Election Committee constituency polling station at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to observe the training and practice sessions with simulated scenarios for staff. Mr Tsang thanked all electoral staff for their efforts in carrying out the preparatory work, and reminded them to adhere to the principles of high efficiency, humanity and safety when implementing electoral arrangements, with a view to conducting the election in a fair, open and honest manner; and ensure a smooth process of ballot paper issuing and polling so as to shorten the waiting time of electors as far as possible. While visiting the central counting station, he reminded staff to perform every counting procedure against the clock in order to confirm counting results as soon as possible. Mr Tsang encouraged all electoral staff to perform their assigned roles with utmost passion and professionalism with a view to ensuring that the election be conducted in a fair, open and honest manner while providing the public with greatest convenience and efficient services. Lastly, he urged again all electors to cast their votes tomorrow (December 19) to elect the new term of Legislative Council members who are patriotic and dedicated to serve Hong Kong citizens.
SCMA inspects boundary control point polling stations (with photos)
16.12.2021

The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, today (December 16) inspected three boundary control point polling stations (BCP polling stations) to get updates on the concrete arrangements of setting up polling stations at the boundary control points from Registration and Electoral Office (REO) staff members. Mr Tsang visited the polling stations located at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Lo Wu and Heung Yuen Wai boundary control points where he was briefed by REO staff on the design of the polling and counting stations as well as the quarantine and immigration arrangements of the polling day. He also inspected passages for the electors at the three BCP polling stations and observed the training and practice sessions with simulated scenarios for electoral staff. Mr Tsang thanked all colleagues for their efforts in carrying out the preparatory work, and reminded REO to spare no effort in arranging training and practice sessions for electoral staff. He also encouraged colleagues to familiarise themselves with the workflow and enhance their co-ordination and response capabilities, so as to make comprehensive preparations for the Legislative Council General Election (LCGE). To protect the voting rights of Hong Kong electors who are now in the Mainland during the pandemic, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has made a special arrangement to enable electors to return from the Mainland to Hong Kong to vote in the 2021 LCGE. On the polling day on December 19, BCP polling stations will adopt closed-loop management in order not to increase the risk of spreading disease. To ensure the election be conducted in a fair, just and honest manner, candidates or their agents can apply to enter the polling stations to observe the counting process; the Independent Commission Against Corruption will also deploy staff to observe the counting of votes; while the Radio Television Hong Kong will provide live broadcast of the count. Lastly, Mr Tsang urged all electors to cast votes in this election which is particularly meaningful to Hong Kong.
SCMA on arrangement for electors to return from Mainland to Hong Kong to vote in 2021 Legislative Council General Election (with photo/video)
29.11.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, on the arrangement for electors to return from the Mainland to Hong Kong to vote in the 2021 Legislative Council General Election this afternoon (November 29) at West Wing, Central Government Offices: Reporter: Mr Tsang, can you explain given that the election law actually states that a voter must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong. How can election officials now verify and check these cross-border voters are actually eligible to cast their ballots? That is my first question. The second question is about the openness and transparency. You talked about you would invite the candidates and agents to go to the border voting stations to observe the vote counting, but would the Hong Kong media be allowed to enter the stations, just like they enter the convention centre in Wan Chai? Would the media be allowed to observe? What if in the event that agents and candidates don't go to the places (to observe vote counting), how can you ensure the openness? Thank you. Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: For the first question, about the ordinary residence, as I said before, you can't simply say that while one is for the time being not in Hong Kong, he is not regarded as ordinarily resident in Hong Kong. You have to take into account all relevant factors, such as what is the reason he is for the time being not in Hong Kong, how long he is absent from Hong Kong, whether he still has close connections in Hong Kong, and whether he is occasionally coming back to Hong Kong to do his own business or family union, etc. So you just can't say that for those voters for the time being now in the Mainland for various reasons, they cannot be regarded as ordinarily resident in Hong Kong. Actually, the REO, the Registration and Electoral Office, they have established the mechanism to check in every voter registration cycle, whether the voters are still ordinarily resident in Hong Kong and still eligible as voters. If they find that the voters are no longer ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, of course they will take necessary action. As a matter of fact, every year we have tens of thousands voters, they are not regarded as ordinarily resident in Hong Kong and the registration are cancelled for that reason. So I will say that everything we are doing now is strictly in accordance with the law and the established arrangement and mechanism. For the second question, the reason why we will not arrange the public to attend the counting process is simply because we try to minimise the risk of infection. After consulting the EAC (Electoral Affairs Commission), we all think that the existing arrangement, that those candidates and their agents are being invited to attend the counting process is an appropriate arrangement, which the fairness and transparency can be guaranteed. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Transcript of remarks by SCMA at media session
19.9.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, at a media session after visiting the polling station of the 2021 Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections at the Sha Tin Town Hall today (September 19): Reporter: There are just five thousand people who are eligible to vote in the election, how can this represent the general public of Hong Kong? What do you think about the voter turnout today? Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: I am not going to guess how many voters coming out today, but I will say that the improvement of our electoral system is (important) to every Hong Kong people. It is a very good thing and it is good that for our "one country, two systems" to be fully implemented. I hope that and I appeal to voters to come out to cast their votes and exercise their responsibility. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
2022 Legislative Council Election Committee constituency by-election held successfully
18.12.2022

The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau stated today (December 18) that the 2022 Legislative Council (LegCo) Election Committee constituency (ECC) by-election was held successfully in a fair, just, honest, efficient and user-friendly manner. The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, said, "the voter turnout rate of this by-election was over 90 per cent. Four LegCo ECC members have been elected amongst six candidates from diverse backgrounds and strata. This by-election is the fourth election conducted under the Improved Electoral System and relevant electoral legislation. As in the past, this by-election was held in a fair, just and honest manner." When preparing for this by-election, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Electoral Affairs Commission and the Registration and Electoral Office have suitably taken out efficient and user-friendly measures to facilitate Election Committee (EC) members. Measures include setting up special queues for those in need, adopting the electronic poll register system at the ECC polling station and electronic counting, as well as arranging EC members who are subject to isolation or quarantine measures today to cast their votes at the Penny's Bay polling station, etc. Mr Tsang emphasised, "the Improved Electoral System ensures the implementation of the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong' and that the democratic system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) adheres to the principle of 'one country, two systems' and Hong Kong's constitutional status, bringing the society back on track to focus on developing the economy, enhancing people's livelihood, sustaining Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity, and achieving good governance. Regardless of one's background, whoever meets the requirements and criteria of patriots, can participate in elections in accordance with the law and serve the Hong Kong public by entering into the governance structure of HKSAR." He continued, "the new electoral system has established the LegCo ECC, which goes beyond the vested interests of various groups and districts, broadened the representation in the political structure of Hong Kong, thereby enhancing the HKSAR's governance efficiency. The Government hopes that the newly elected LegCo members can exemplify the broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation and fair competition of the new electoral system." Lastly, Mr Tsang thanked all EC members for casting their vote despite the cold weather. Together with the elected LegCo members, the HKSAR Government will shoulder the important responsibility of participating in the governance of Hong Kong, protect the sovereignty, security and development interests of our country, and also enhance the effectiveness of the HKSAR's governance for the benefit of all Hong Kong people under the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong".
SCMA expresses condolences over passing of Mr Ambrose SK Lee 
14.8.2022

The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-Wai was shocked and saddened today (August 14) to learn of the passing of former Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose SK Lee. Mr Tsang said, "I have worked with Mr Lee during the time when he was the Director of Immigration and the Secretary for Security and have benefited greatly from his leadership and teaching. Mr Lee has been dedicated to serving our country and Hong Kong community over the years and made outstanding contributions in different sectors. He has always had the well-being of the motherland and Hong Kong at heart even after his retirement. Mr Lee is indeed a good role model for all of us." Mr Tsang wished Mr Lee rest in peace. He also extended his deepest condolences to Mr Lee's family.
LCQ7: Ordinances or provisions enacted but not yet in operation
18.5.2022

Following is a question by the Hon Lam San-keung and a written reply by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, in the Legislative Council today (May 18): Question: Regarding those ordinances/provisions of ordinances which have been enacted by this Council but are not yet in operation due to various reasons (such ordinances/provisions), will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the current number of such ordinances/provisions, and set out, by the year in which they were enacted, the titles of such ordinances/provisions as well as the reasons for their not having come into operation and the details thereof; (2) whether the Government has currently put in place a dedicated organisation to urge the policy bureaux responsible for such ordinances/provisions to implement such ordinances/provisions as soon as possible; (3) whether it has plans to expedite the implementation of such ordinances/provisions; if so, of the details; and (4) whether a mechanism is currently in place to review if such ordinances/provisions should be implemented or repealed; if so, of the details; if not, whether it will study establishing such a mechanism? Reply: President, My consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Lam San-keung is as follows: Policy bureaux/departments (B/Ds) have been closely monitoring the position of the ordinances/provisions of ordinances which have been enacted by the Legislative Council but are not yet in operation. Since 2008, the Government has submitted reports to the Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services regularly, setting out the ordinances which have been enacted for over three years with provisions yet to come into operation, reasons for their non-commencement and the progress, for Members' reference. There are currently a total of 33 ordinances enacted in 2019 or before containing provisions that are yet to come into operation. The titles of these ordinances, the provisions concerned and reasons for not bringing them into operation yet are set out in the Annex. At present, relevant B/Ds will keep the ordinances/provisions under review from time to time. They will take into account the latest development, actual circumstances and policy needs with a view to commencing them as early as practicable so as to meet the demands of the society. It would be most prudent to allow the relevant B/Ds to decide the commencement dates of the ordinances/provisions upon review of the actual circumstances and policy needs.
SCMA leads team to participate in "restriction-testing declaration" operation (with photos)
14.4.2022

The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, leading an anti-epidemic team formed by about 100 colleagues from the bureau and its department, completed the "restriction-testing declaration" (RTD) operation in the specified "restricted area" in Block 10, Tsui Chuk Garden, Wong Tai Sin, today (April 14). All colleagues actively participated in the frontline anti-epidemic work regardless of their original duties. Mr Tsang; the Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Roy Tang; the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo; and the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Mr Tommy Yuen, joined colleagues from the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau and the Registration and Electoral Office in commencing the RTD operation in Block 10, Tsui Chuk Garden, last night (April 13). They arranged residents to undergo testing in an orderly manner, and distributed food packs, rapid antigen test kits, as well as anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines donated by the Central People's Government to them, so as to help them fight against the virus at home. Mr Tsang said, "Facing the severe epidemic situation, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been taking all necessary measures to stabilise the epidemic situation and make this the most important mission. All bureaux and departments have mobilised their staff to make concerted efforts to fight the epidemic. In every RTD operation, government colleagues and the testing contractors have been working for long hours with a view to completing the operation as soon as possible and minimising the impact on residents. Colleagues' professionalism has been respectable. With the support and understanding of persons subject to compulsory testing, the RTD operations have been carried out smoothly." Government RTD operations are effective in pinning down infections in the community, with a view to achieving the objective of early identification, early isolation and early treatment. By identifying infected persons early and cutting transmission chains in the community as quickly as possible, Hong Kong will return to normality in an orderly manner.
SCMA distributes anti-epidemic service bags in Wong Tai Sin (with photos/video)
4.4.2022

The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, today (April 4) distributed anti-epidemic service bags in Wong Tai Sin. He also gave encouragement to the participating volunteers and thanked them for their efforts in supporting the anti-epidemic work. Accompanied by the District Officer (Wong Tai Sin), Mr Steve Wong, Mr Tsang together with the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo, and colleagues from the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) visited the district. Mr Tsang was briefed by volunteers and colleagues on the workflow and progress of the distribution of the anti-epidemic service bags. He thanked them for their full commitment to the packaging and delivery work in recent days, conveying the Mainland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's support to Hong Kong people. Mr Tsang then teamed up with colleagues and volunteers to distribute anti-epidemic service bags to residents of a "three-nil" building in the district. They appealed to the residents to conduct rapid antigen tests (RAT) every day from April 8 to April 10, and report positive test results within 24 hours to the Department of Health through the online system so as to identify infected persons early and help cut silent transmission chains of COVID-19. He said, "We thank the Central Government for providing staunch support with anti-epidemic supplies to meet the needs of Hong Kong. Facing the severe epidemic situation, the HKSAR Government has been taking all necessary measures to stabilise the epidemic situation and make this the most important mission. By mobilising civil servants and gathering support from different fronts, the community is united with one heart to fight the epidemic. Hong Kong will definitely weather the epidemic soon!" The Government started distributing anti-epidemic service bags in 18 districts in Hong Kong from April 2. Each service bag contains 20 RAT kits, 20 KN95 masks, two boxes of anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines, as well as an anti-epidemic handbook and a message card produced by the HKSAR Government, and is distributed with a view to enhancing the public's anti-epidemic awareness and capability. CMAB had earlier arranged for 50 colleagues to join the packaging work of the anti-epidemic service bags.
SCMA visits Jiangmen (with photos)
11.8.2023

The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, visited Jiangmen today (August 11). He met the Secretary of the CPC Jiangmen Municipal Committee, Mr Chen Anming, to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong's high-level co-operation with Jiangmen. Mr Tsang said that opportunities and potential for co-operation between Hong Kong and Jiangmen are ample, and there is plenty of room for collaboration between the two places in different areas. Hong Kong is also the best partner for Jiangmen to expand overseas. Hong Kong and Jiangmen will continue to achieve complementarity and deepen exchange on various fronts, and strengthen the co-ordinated development of Hong Kong and Jiangmen, with a view to contributing to the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Mr Tsang returned to Hong Kong tonight. The Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, and other relevant officials also joined the visit.
SCMA to visit Beijing today
17.7.2023

The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, will depart for a visit to Beijing this afternoon (July 17). While in Beijing, he will meet with relevant central ministries and authorities. The Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, will also join the visit. They will return to Hong Kong on July 19. During Mr Tsang's absence, the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo, will be the Acting Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs.
CMAB and HYAB continue to brief association representatives on proposals to improve governance at district level (with photo)
2.6.2023

Since the Government's announcement of the proposals on improving governance at the district level on May 2, the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, have been actively carrying out explanatory and publicity work for various sectors. The two Directors of Bureaux today (June 2) explained the proposals on improving governance at the district level to representatives of the New Territories Association of Societies and the Federation of Hong Kong Shenzhen Associations, and had in-depth discussions and exchanges with them. Mr Tsang and Miss Mak said that the majority of the public support the proposals and endorse the three guiding principles of the proposals: national security must be put as the topmost priority and the "one country, two systems" principle must be fully and faithfully implemented; the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" must be fully implemented; and executive-led governance must be manifested with firm control of governance at the district level and grooming strong and able service teams to increase the capability to mobilise the community. The two Directors of Bureaux also mentioned that the reformed District Councils (DCs) will revert to their positioning as district advisory and service organisations in accordance with Article 97 of the Basic Law. The proposals also enable the Government to co-ordinate district work more effectively, enhance efficacy of district governance and earnestly address people's concerns and difficulties in daily life, thereby increasing their sense of contentment and happiness, and leading the whole society to be more patriotic and fully support the administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The attending association representatives spoke enthusiastically and gave constructive views on strengthening the district governance structure. The two Directors of Bureaux said that the two associations are reliable working partners of the Government and hoped that they will continue to explain and promote the advantages of the proposals to the public through various means, so as to deepen different sectors of the community's understanding of the proposals and mobilise the whole society to work together to promote the reformation work of district governance. The District Councils (Amendment) Bill 2023 has been introduced into the Legislative Council (LegCo) for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Government will proactively facilitate the scrutiny of the LegCo and solicit support for the early passage of the Bill from Members of the LegCo, so that the DC Ordinary Election can be held at the end of this year and the seventh-term DCs can assume office on January 1 next year as scheduled.