â€‹Following the conviction of three defendants on August 29 in a case of "conspiracy to publish and/or reproduce seditious publication", the District Court handed down its sentence today (September 26).
      
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government spokesman said: "The court has held earlier that Chung Pui-kuen and Lam Shiu-tung, while holding chief editorial positions at Stand News, had knowledge and approved of the seditious intent of the articles, providing Stand News as a publishing platform for inciting hatred against the Central Authorities and the HKSAR Government, as well as hatred against the administration of justice."
      
     The spokesman said, "The reasons for verdict by the Court have pointed out clearly that the ideology of Stand News was localism which excluded China, and that it even became a tool to smear and vilify the Central Authorities and the HKSAR Government during the movement of opposition to the proposed legislative amendments. The court found that the relevant articles, without any objective basis, attacked the relevant law and procedures; and relevant law enforcement and prosecutorial process; spread hatred and anti-government sentiment with disinformation; attacked law enforcement by the Police and glorified the behaviour of rioters – in other words, they were not based on facts. To distort acts of inciting hatred as "journalism" is a complete reversal of right and wrong."
      
     "According to Schedule 3 of the Implementation Rules of Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has made an application to court for a confiscation order to confiscate the proceeds of the relevant crime. DoJ will continue to handle subsequent procedures in accordance with the law."
      
      "The court stated in its reasons for sentence that at the time of the offence, the three defendants were not engaging themselves in genuine journalistic work but were participating in the so-called protest at the time. From the editorial of Stand News and News Stand, it is evident that they sided with the protesters against the Government. The crimes committed by the three defendants are very serious."
      
      "The reasons for sentence also pointed out that, given Stand News had approximately 1,600,000 followers, the seditious articles involved have undoubtedly caused significant harm to both the Central Government and HKSAR Government as well as the residents, although it is difficult to quantify."

     The spokesperson stated: "The reasons for sentence also indicated that, due to the severity of the offences, imprisonment is the only appropriate sentencing option. Regarding the length of the sentence, the maximum penalty is two years' imprisonment. This maximum penalty is completely disproportionate to the severity of the offences. According to the existing Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the maximum penalty for the crime of sedition is seven years' imprisonment. Based on the culpability of the second defendant, Chung Pui-kuen, a starting point of 23 months' imprisonment was adopted, and a sentence of 21 months was passed. For the third defendant, Lam Siu-tung, a starting point of 14 months' imprisonment was adopted but due to the potential risk to his life if sent to prison, a sentence was imposed that allows for his immediate release."

     The spokesman says, "Following the verdict in this case, some have expressed concerns about freedom of the press and speech in Hong Kong. Some foreign media or other people with ulterior motives, as well as anti-China organisations and anti-China politicians, made untruthful and purely political remarks smearing the HKSAR. We have made clarifications and rebuttals many times to set the record straight. As demonstrated in the court's reasons for its verdict, Stand News completely disregarded objective facts and contravened the "special duties and responsibilities" which journalists must observe under international human rights conventions."

     The spokesman pointed out that, "The Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights guarantee fundamental rights such as the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, procession and demonstration. Members of the public (including journalists) in Hong Kong are, as always, free to make comments or criticisms that are based on facts, and to enjoy and exercise freedoms of the press and of speech in accordance with the law, without fear of unwittingly violating the law."

     "It is the constitutional duty of the HKSAR to safeguard national security. In this regard, the HKSAR Government will ensure that laws are observed and continue to enforce the law resolutely, decisively and rigorously with a view to effectively preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for acts and activities endangering national security with all-out efforts."

     Following is the keynote address by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the seminar titled Hong Kong: The Common Law Gateway for Malaysian Businesses to China and Beyond in in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today (September 26):
 
Her Excellency Dato' Sri Azalina (Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Malaysia, Dato' Sri Azalina Othman Said), 鄭學方代辦 (Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, Mr Zheng Xuefang), Dato' Seri Gobalakrishnan (President, National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia), ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,
 
     I am very pleased to be here today. Firstly, I must thank all of you for joining our seminar. I was told that there are all together around 150 friends from Malaysia attending this event. It is a daunting task to speak right after such an eminent panel of speakers sharing their experiences and expertise. 
 
     I would like to begin by a very important fact. That is the relationship between China and Malaysia. The year of 2024 is extremely important because it marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the two countries. I think the exact date was May 31, 1974. Fast forward, in June this year, the Premier of the People's Republic of China, Mr Li Qiang, visited Kuala Lumpur. On that occasion, he renewed a co-operation agreement between the two countries for another five years. And fast forward, not too long ago, I think less than two weeks ago on September 20, the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar went to Beijing and met President Xi Jinping. He described the trip as a great success. ASEAN is now the number one trading partner of China, and I understand that Malaysia is going to be the chairman of ASEAN in 2025. So I have no question whatsoever that the relationship between China and Malaysia and ASEAN will be taken to a new height in the very near future.
 
     Now, returning to Hong Kong. Many speakers have already mentioned the historical ties of people-to-people connection. Our Chief Executive actually came to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in July 2023. On that occasion, 11 co-operation agreements and memorandum of understanding were signed. Your Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry actually came to Hong Kong a couple of weeks ago to attend the Hong Kong – ASEAN Summit. And right after that, the governments of Hong Kong and Malaysia announced that we are finalising the negotiation of establishing an Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in Kuala Lumpur and we are very hopeful that the ETO will be established very soon. Once again, that will signify another important development between Hong Kong and Malaysia. So the certainty is that we are going to see a much closer relationship or economic co-operation between the jurisdictions. And against this background, there must be a huge demand and need for legal co-operation between the two jurisdictions. That is exactly the purpose of my trip, joined by a group of very eminent lawyers from Hong Kong.
 
     The message that we wish to convey is reflected by the theme of this seminar – Hong Kong: The Common Law Gateway for Malaysian Businesses to China and Beyond. In answer to one of the questions posed by the participants, we are not saying that Hong Kong is the only gateway. It is not an exclusive gateway, but it is a very unique gateway. It is unique because, as Janice (panel speaker Ms Janice Chew) has mentioned, I used six factors to describe why Hong Kong legal service is unique in the sense that it cannot be found elsewhere. Now I have to repeat the six factors, but I would like to put that in a different way so that my friends who have attended the Ho Chi Minh City event would not feel bored.
 
     The first point is very important, which is also mentioned by some of the speakers — the stability of our common law system which is guaranteed to be continuing beyond 2047. Jern-fei (panel speaker Mr Ng Jern-fei, KC) mentioned that one of the linkage between Malaysia and Hong Kong is that we share the common law heritage. We are common law jurisdictions. In the past, there were questions as to whether the "one country, two systems" principle including our common law system can go beyond 2047. I think Elaine (panel speaker Ms Elaine Lo) gave a very good answer, she referred to government leases. But I can be even more specific. Firstly, I think that is one piece of freehold land in Hong Kong, the St John's Cathedral. But subject to that, all land in Hong Kong is leasehold land. On July 5 this year, actually a very important legislation came into existence, that is known as the Extension of Government Leases Ordinance. The effect is that most leases in Hong Kong have been automatically renewed for 50 years in the sense that they will go beyond 2047. So it is not just a direction given by the central authorities. That has been given statutory force. I think that serves as a very good piece of evidence proving that the "one country, two systems" principle and the common law system will survive after 2047.
 
     The second factor goes to the reliability of our judicial system. When it comes to reliability of judicial system, I think I have to mention two facts, the quality of our judges and the integrity of our system. I think one of the speakers referred to the fact that the judgments of our Court of Final Appeal (CFA) have been cited in many other common law jurisdictions. I do have the statistics between 2018 and 2024, there are 46 occasions on which CFA judgments have been cited in many common law jurisdictions. This figure is provided by the Judiciary, so I think it is quite reliable. When it comes to integrity, our Judiciary put a lot of emphasis to ensure that our judicial proceedings will remain to be of very high standard and there is no compromise. One example, nowadays we are very fond of using artificial intelligence (AI) in our work. Our Judiciary issued a guideline in July this year regulating the use of artificial intelligence in judicial proceedings, in short, telling the judges in what circumstances and for what purposes they can resort to AI. I think the purpose is to ensure that our judicial proceedings will not be compromised by the use of modern technology. So that's the second point.
 
     The third point is we have a very business-friendly legal environment. I can again give you some objective evidence. According to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024 compiled by the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland, Hong Kong overall ranked the fifth, and when it comes to business legislation, the business law, Hong Kong ranked the first in the world. So that tells a lot about the quality of our business law. But we recognise that there is no room for complacency. And Elaine also mentioned one point about how we ensure that our business environment will be as attractive as possible to investors. She referred to a new listing rule. In March last year, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange introduced a Chapter 18C under the Listing Rules to allow specialist technology company to get listed in Hong Kong. And the first successful case actually took place on June 13 this year. A company named QuantumPharm Inc, stationed in Shenzhen and specialised in artificial intelligence and robotics, became a public listed company pursuant to Chapter 18C. Again, that is a very good piece of evidence showing the efforts that we have made to ensure that our laws and regulations will remain to be very business-friendly and attractive.
 
     The fourth point is that we provide a very safe and secure environment – no exchange control, freedom of movement of funds and property. One of the participants asked a question about the ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption), that is a very important matter. In fact, in my very brief conversation with Her Excellency Minister right before we enter this room, this is a matter that we touched upon. Hong Kong is a very safe place because we have very clean law enforcement agencies to ensure that all the laws and regulations will be strictly enforced. There is a Corruption Perceptions Index compiled by an NGO (non-governmental organisation) called Transparency International. I think for the latest survey, Hong Kong ranked 14th out of 180 countries and territories. So that's why you are so interested about ICAC, because it is the institution responsible for ensuring there is no corruption. So for all practical purpose, there is absence of corruption in Hong Kong.
 
     The fifth point is the feature that distinguishes Hong Kong from any other common law jurisdictions. That is our connection, the connection with the Mainland legal system via a number of very important mutual legal assistance arrangements. Now Joanne (panel speaker Ms Joanne Lau) has mentioned one of them, the interim arrangement, but I would like to give another example, which is also very telling.
 
     In January this year, a mutual legal arrangement concerning the mutual recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters by the courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region came into effect in Hong Kong. It means that a Hong Kong judgment, provided that certain criteria and conditions have been fulfilled, can be enforced and recognised in Mainland China, and vice versa. And I would like to compare the arrangement with the Hague Judgments Convention, because we have adopted the same principle. We are more liberal in the sense that while we are striking a balance between the interest of judgment creditor and the judgment debtor, the scope or the type of cases covered by this arrangement is even wider than the Hague Judgments Convention. It is because some types of intellectual property (IP) cases have been included in the arrangement, whereas IP cases have been completely excluded from the Hague Judgments Convention. So this is my fifth factor.
 
     The last factor is also something very important. It is about the abundant supply of truly international legal practitioners. We have very good examples here. For example, Janice, she is dually qualified in Malaysia and Hong Kong. But she is just one of the numerous examples. There are around 13 000 solicitors, 1 600 barristers and more than 920 law firms in Hong Kong. Some of these firms have altogether 315 oversea offices and 85 offices in Mainland China. And we have 77 registered foreign law firms and more than 1 450 registered foreign lawyers. And I think three of them are qualified in Malaysia. So when you instruct a Hong Kong lawyer, you are not instructing a mere Hong Kong lawyer but you are instructing a global lawyer who is able to provide legal service not confining to matters concerning Hong Kong law.
 
     Another important factor is that we are not just familiar with the common law, we are not just familiar with international law practice, we are also familiar with the Chinese culture – how things are done in our culture, why things are done in a certain way, why documents are drafted in a certain manner. And when it comes to legal service, what is important? It is not simply your knowledge about the law, it is how much you know your client, how much you know how the business community actually works. It is about knowing the people instead of knowing the law on paper.
 
     So combining these six factors, I would venture to say that not only the gateway is a very scenic route, as mentioned by Jern-fei, but it is also a very unique route that you cannot find elsewhere. But to enable the very unique legal services to serve the interests of Malaysia, I think the pre-condition is that we have to know each other better and we have to have more platforms for regular exchanges and to explore opportunities for collaboration.
 
     That's why I am very delighted that in a moment, the Asian International Arbitration Centre in Malaysia is going to sign MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the SCIA (South China International Arbitration Center (HK)) and also with eBRAM (eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre). I am aware that you have many questions, but because of the time constraint, the panel speakers were not able to answer all the questions as pointed out about Alex (panel moderator Mr Alexander Tang). But right after this seminar we have a reception which I believe will last until 8pm. So I would encourage all of you to take the opportunity to have more exchanges and to make friends. I'm sure that all the members from the Hong Kong delegation will be more than happy to answer whatever questions that you have in mind.
 
     I always like to use analogy to end my submission. I always describe the legal service offered by Hong Kong is something like you are entering a food plaza or food hall which consists of many different types of restaurants serving different cuisines. And the important point is that no matter what you want, no matter what you need, you name it and you will get it. So that is what Hong Kong undertakes to serve. And I do hope that today marked a new beginning of the collaboration between Malaysia and Hong Kong when it comes to legal co-operation. I look forward to meeting all of you very soon, perhaps right after the seminar or on other occasion. Thank you very much.

      

     The two giant pandas gifted by the Central Government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) arrived smoothly in Hong Kong today (September 26) from Dujiangyan, Sichuan. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, officiated at the Welcome Ceremony to greet the two giant pandas.

     The two giant pandas left the Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda at 3.05am today. They then left Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport this morning and arrived at the Hong Kong International Airport at 11.05am.

     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan said that it doubled the happiness to welcome the two recently matured and energetic giant pandas, which were again gifted to the HKSAR by the Central Government, to join the Hong Kong family in the run-up to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

     He said, "I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, and the Sichuan Provincial Government for their time and tremendous effort in arranging the transfer of the giant pandas to Hong Kong over the past few months. This fully demonstrates the Central Government's care and support for the HKSAR and recognises our efforts in conservation, caring and rearing of giant pandas, which is of great significance to Hong Kong."

     Mr Chan also thanked Cathay Cargo for arranging and sponsoring the entire transportation of the giant pandas from Sichuan to the Ocean Park Hong Kong (Ocean Park); and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for their contribution in enhancing the new giant panda facilities at the Ocean Park, as well as their support for the Park's conservational education work related to giant pandas.

     Upon their arrival in Hong Kong, the giant pandas were immediately transported to the Ocean Park. They will undergo a one-month quarantine period, followed by approximately one month to adapt to the new environment. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) will maintain close communication with experts from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Ocean Park, and subject to the health and adaptation conditions of the giant pandas, arrange them to meet the public as early as possible.

     The two giant pandas have already had names in the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda. The male giant panda is named "An An" and the female giant panda "Ke Ke". To welcome these two giant pandas to the Hong Kong family, the CSTB will soon hold a citywide naming competition, inviting all Hong Kong citizens to exercise creativity and suggest meaningful new names for the giant pandas that highlight their characteristics. Besides, the CSTB will organise a large-scale painting competition, inviting all citizens to vividly depict the adorable nature of the giant pandas through their artwork. Details of the two competitions will be announced shortly.

     In collaboration with the Ocean Park and Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the CSTB is also organising various promotional and marketing activities. The Government will seize the opportunity brought by the arrival of the giant pandas to connect different sectors of the society to actively plan and launch related promotional initiatives and create a joyful atmosphere to welcome the giant pandas in Hong Kong, thereby generating business opportunities for different sectors and boosting the economy.
      
     â€‹To provide citizens and visitors with more information, the HKTB has launched a one-stop "Giant Panda Special Page" on its tourism information platform "Discover Hong Kong". The Ocean Park has also established a "Hong Kong Giant Panda Fans Page" to provide update on the living condition of the two new giant pandas after their arrival in Hong Kong.

      

     The 5th Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (BRITACOF) hosted by the Inland Revenue Department concluded successfully today (September 26). This three-day annual mega event in the international tax community attracted about 500 tax officials, tax experts, as well as representatives from international organisations, academic institutions and enterprises from nearly 50 countries and regions to discuss emerging tax issues and exchange tax administration experiences under the theme "Deepening Tax Administration Cooperation for High-Quality Belt and Road Development".
 
     The Executive Secretary of the Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Mechanism (BRITACOM) Secretariat and the Deputy Commissioner of the State Taxation Administration (STA), Mr Wang Daoshu, announced the outcomes of the 5th BRITACOF at the closing ceremony today, including four outcomes of the task forces of the Nur-Sultan Action Plan (2022-2024), the Joint Statement of the Fifth BRITACOF, the Hong Kong Action Plan (2025-2027), the Annual Report of the BRITACOM (2024), the joining of Maldives Inland Revenue Authority as a new BRITACOM Council member tax administration, and the establishment of the BRITA·Algiers. The relevant documents set out in detail the efforts made by various parties in promoting the establishment of BRITACOM and the achievements made, reflecting the importance of BRITACOM in international tax co-operation. The documents also advocate multilateral and equal-footed dialogue to create a positive impact through facilitating the enhancement of the international tax environment amidst a future global tax administration landscape.
 
     Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Commissioner of Inland Revenue and the Chairman of the 5th BRITACOF, Mr Tam Tai-pang said, "The knowledge and insights gained from this forum are invaluable to all of us in our endeavours to improve our tax systems and enhance the quality and capacity of our tax administrations, which are vital to economic development in our respective jurisdictions."
 
     He pointed out that BRITACOM had achieved significant outcomes and reached consensus on the work of deepening tax administration co-operation of the Belt and Road jurisdictions in the future. The success of the Belt and Road Initiative hinges on all parties' ability to work together, and the collective efforts in tax administration co-operation will be pivotal in achieving shared goals.
 
     Hong Kong also took the opportunity of the 5th BRITACOF to deepen tax co-operation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). On the margins of the 5th BRITACOF, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Commissioner of the STA, Mr Hu Jinglin, and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tax co-operation within the GBA among the finance and taxation departments of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Macao SAR. The MOU will promote the co-ordination of tax administration and services in the GBA and facilitate Hong Kong's active integration into the overall national development.
 
     As regards international tax co-operation, during the 5th BRITACOF the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, held bilateral meetings separately with representatives from Kazakhstan, Maldives, Tajikistan and Türkiye to discuss deepening tax co-operation at the international and Belt and Road levels. He also signed a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye on behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government, marking a significant step forward for Hong Kong in its continuous fostering of international tax co-operation and expansion of the CDTA network.
 
     The 5th BRITACOF fully demonstrates Hong Kong's unique advantages as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder". The exchange of tax administration experiences has deepened relations among countries and regions, and facilitated the sharing of opportunities and achievements brought by the Belt and Road Initiative, contributing to the high-quality Belt and Road development.
 
     To showcase Hong Kong's hospitality and tell the good story of Hong Kong, the Inland Revenue Department, as the host of the 5th BRITACOF, arranged various experiential activities for the participants to give them first-hand experience of Hong Kong's unique charisma as an East-meets-West metropolis. Highlights include a cruise tour to enjoy the magnificent view of the Victoria Harbour, visits to the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ museum, and rides on Ngong Ping 360 cable cars.
 
     Established in 2019 under the lead of the STA, BRITACOM is a non-profit official mechanism for discussions on tax administration co-operation among countries and regions along the Belt and Road. BRITACOF, the annual signature event of BRITACOM, is hosted by member tax administrations in rotation. It was announced at the closing ceremony that the 6th and 7th BRITACOF would be held in Nepal in 2025 and Indonesia in 2026 respectively.
 
     For details of the 5th BRITACOF, please visit the thematic website (www.ird.gov.hk/BRITACOF/eng/index.html).

      

     â€‹In response to media enquiries concerning a Hong Kong resident being stranded in Jeju, Korea, upon receipt of assistance request from subject concerned, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) has immediately contacted the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA), the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Jeju (Consulate General) to understand the situation and provide practicable advice and assistance according to subject's wishes. The Consulate General has actively deployed staff to meet subject and co-ordinated the local Chinese volunteers to provide subject with practicable assistance, including accompanying subject to relevant Korean authorities to understand the case development and request for expediting the case progress.

     The ImmD will continue to keep close contact with subject, OCMFA and the Consulate General to follow up the case and provide practicable assistance according to subject's wishes.

     When travelling outside Hong Kong, Hong Kong residents should learn more about the local custom and observe the local laws and regulations. Hong Kong residents outside Hong Kong who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the ImmD at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the Immigration Department Mobile Application, send message to 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit the Online Assistance Request Form.