The Government announced today (December 27) that the Chief Executive had appointed Mr Andrew Yao as Chairman of the Council of the Lingnan University (LU) for a term of three years with effect from January 1, 2020.

     The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, welcomed Mr Yao's appointment as the LU Council Chairman.

     "Mr Yao is dedicated to public service and has in particular contributed significantly to the higher education sector. He has been the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Hong Kong Baptist University and is a former member of the LU Council, the Court of University of Hong Kong, and the Steering Committee on the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme. With his distinguished leadership and wealth of experience in public service, I am confident that Mr Yao will be able to lead the LU in scaling new heights in the years to come," he said.

     Mr Yeung also expressed his gratitude to Mr Simon Ip, the Deputy Chairman of the LU Council, for his service as Acting Chairman since Mr Rex Auyeung's departure in October 2019.

     He said, "Over the past three months, Mr Ip has led the LU Council, in his capacity as Acting Chairman, and ensured the smooth operation and steady development of the University. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr Ip."
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     Mr Ip will cease to be Acting Chairman of the LU Council, upon the commencement of Mr Yau's appointment on January 1, 2020.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rates in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (December 27) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     Police today (December 26) appealed to the public for information on a boy who went missing in Chai Wan.

     Cheng Ho-tin, aged 16, went missing after he left a hostel on Holy Cross Path yesterday morning (December 25). Staff of the hostel made a report to Police on the same day.

     He is about 1.7 metres tall, 45 kilograms in weight and of thin build. He has a long face with yellow complexion, short straight black hair and a tattoo on his left forearm. He was last seen wearing a grey long-sleeved shirt, blue short jeans, black and grey sports shoes and a black cap.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing boy or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1176 or 9320 5612 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

     In response to media enquiries on an overseas media report that alleges in its headline that "In Hong Kong crackdown, Police repeatedly broke their own rules and faced no consequences", a Government spokesman has today (December 26) strongly refuted this claim which is biased and misleading.

     "We express deep regret to the allegation that is not based on facts is still made.

     "In regards to Police action, we must stress that Police do not initiate action against protesters. Police only respond with appropriate and proportionate force when protesters take part in illegal activities. Violence has indeed escalated in recent weeks, including serious acts that endanger public safety and public order by blocking roadways, paralyzing traffic, setting barricades, committing arson, vandalizing shops and railway facilities, hurling bricks, throwing petrol bombs, flagrantly assaulting bystanders and violently attacking police officers.
      
      "Increasingly lethal weapons including petrol bombs, catapults with steel ball-bearings, explosive devices, bombs, bows and arrows have been used by radical protesters who have shown up well-equipped with helmets, shields, googles, respirators, masks, full body armour and protective gear. Such preparations are indicative of their intention to stage violent protests and directly confront and attack police officers, which mitigate the effectiveness and efficiency of lower level of force available to the Police through standard anti-riot weapons.

     "Police have adopted a measured and restrained approach. Only minimum necessary force has been deployed in response to the blatant unlawful activities of the violent protesters

     "The use of force is in line with international standards. Once the situation is under control, the use of force will cease. All Police officers are accountable for the force they use and their supervisors are present on site to oversee and ensure that the use of force is lawful.

     "We reiterate that it is the responsibility of the Police to ensure public order and public safety. The Police must also safeguard the rights and freedoms of others. If protesters do not use violence, there would not be any necessity to resort to a lawful use of force to defend ourselves. If protesters are peaceful, rational and orderly, the Police will not and have no reason to intervene."