Tag Archives: China

     Following is a question by the Hon Mrs Regina Ip and a reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Caspar Tsui, in the Legislative Council today (June 9):
 
Question:
 
     The 11th Gay Games (Gay Games 2022) is scheduled to be held in Hong Kong from November 11 to 19 next year, and it will be the first time the Games are hosted in Asia. According to the estimation of the organisers, this sports event will attract more than 12 000 participants from around the world, bringing economic benefits of HK$1 billion to Hong Kong; and apart from facilitating the development of the tourism industry in Hong Kong, this event will showcase to the world Hong Kong’s diversity and its support for equal opportunities. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council if it knows:
 
(1) the progress of booking of event venues by the organisers of Gay Games 2022; whether it has any targeted policies or measures in place to assist the organisers in booking government sports venues; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(2) whether the various local national sports associations (NSAs) will support and participate in Gay Games 2022; if they will, of the details, including a list of those NSAs which will send athletes to compete in the Games and the number of participating athletes; whether the Government will encourage the various NSAs to participate in the Games?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     From a sports policy perspective, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been promoting sports development in Hong Kong with a three-pronged strategic approach, namely promoting sports in the community, supporting elite sports and maintaining Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events. We encourage wider public participation in sports so as to foster a strong sports culture in the community. We nurture potential athletes and provide them with quality training environment and integrated support, enabling them to develop their full potential and achieve outstanding results in the international sports arena. In parallel, we facilitate the national sports associations (NSAs) in launching major international events in Hong Kong, thereby allowing members of the public to appreciate high-level sports competitions.
 
     To complement the promotion of sports development, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has put in place a booking procedure for recreation and sports facilities, allowing eligible organisations to make priority booking of such facilities to organise sports competitions or activities. According to the LCSD’s current booking procedure, the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), NSAs, district sports associations and the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation are among the top priority category, under which they are allowed to reserve all peak or non-peak slots of recreation and sports facilities up to 12 months in advance. Affiliated clubs of NSAs, charitable organisations, bona fide associations and corporations are among the second priority category, under which they are allowed to reserve peak slots of recreation and sports facilities up to three months in advance, or all slots of squash courts as well as non-peak slots of main arenas and activity rooms of sports centres up to six months in advance.
 
     My consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Mrs Regina Ip is as follows:
 
     According to the information provided by the organiser, the 11th Gay Games (GG2022) to be held in Hong Kong has been recognised by the Federation of Gay Games and will be hosted by the Gay Games Hong Kong. Under the theme of “Unity in Diversity”, the event plans to feature 36 sports competitions, 13 arts and cultural activities, opening and closing ceremonies, etc. In other words, organising sports and cultural activities for all is the means to pursue the aim of promoting equality and inclusion. Therefore, everyone is welcome to participate in the event, regardless of ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or background.
 
     Unlike international multi-sports games in general, the GG2022 is not a sports event recognised by the International Olympic Committee, the Olympic Council of Asia or any international sports federation. I understand that neither SF&OC nor NSAs will send athletes to participate in the competitions. Moreover, the aim of the GG2022 is to promote equality and inclusion through various activities. Sports is merely one of the elements of the event.
 
     I understand that the organiser has, during the search of venues, considered various options, including tertiary institutions, non-governmental venues, space at Central Harbourfront and other cultural venues. In accordance with LCSD’s current practice, the Gay Games Hong Kong may, as a locally registered organisation, reserve non-peak slots and peak slots of sports facilities up to six months and three months in advance respectively.
 
     The organiser has approached some tertiary institutions, sports clubs, club houses, etc. for hiring their sports facilities to organise some competitions. Separately, the organiser has been discussing with 26 NSAs or sports organisations to explore possible co-operation, including the provision of referee services, technical support and venue booking support. So far, 11 NSAs have reached agreements with the organiser, four have declined co-operation due to other issues (such as manpower arrangement), and the remaining 11 are still in discussion with the organiser. If the organiser secures the support of NSAs in co-organising the relevant activities, it may reserve related sports facilities up to 12 months in advance under the current policy. Upon receipt of the applications from the organiser and/or the relevant NSAs, the LCSD is pleased to provide necessary assistance and process their applications in accordance with the current procedure. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Hang Seng Bank, Limited relating to a fra… read more

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) refused an application for renewal of a Specified Process Licence for a concrete batching plant (CBP) at No. 22 Tung Yuen Street, Yau Tong, on April 29, 2021, and had explained to the CB… read more

     This summer vacation, the Film Programmes Office (FPO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present the International Children’s and Youth Film Carnival (ICYFC), offering entertainment to those with families to spend their holidays in the city. 
 
     The ICYFC 2021 is a highlight of the International Arts Carnival and will present a selection of international animations, feature films and short films to be screened from July 10 to August 28. The screenings will take place at the Cinema of the Hong Kong Film Archive, the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall, the Lecture Halls of the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Space Museum, and the Auditorium of the North District Town Hall.
      
     Among the 11 feature films, five are animations. “Turu, the Wacky Hen” (2019) features a singing and dancing chicken which is also the star of a circus. A debt-ridden poultry dealer schemes to “hen-nap” her for money. The film won Best Animated Film at the Cinema Writers Circle Awards in 2021. In “Raggie” (2020), Ruby’s brother makes a doll named Raggie to keep Ruby company. However, Raggie leaves home as the doll feels guilty for replacing Ruby’s brother’s position. “Sheep and Wolves: Pig Deal” (2019) tells of a village in which sheep and wolves live in harmony. The village is later attacked by a pack of fierce black wolves and they turn all the villagers into pigs. “Bigfoot Family” (2020) follows Adam’s father, who is the legendary Bigfoot, wishing to save the earth from pollution. One day, Bigfoot mysteriously disappears after visiting a village. Adam then conducts an investigation with his animal friends to rescue his father. In “Boxi and the Lost Treasure” (2019) little Kartomi finds a treasure map and decides to seek out the treasure with his canine, through which the duo encounter many surprises. 
 
     Those who are courageous can enjoy adventures with the characters of the four feature films below. “Jim Button and the Wild 13” (2020) features orphan Jim and his good friend, taming an evil dragon and re-awakening it as the “Golden Dragon of Wisdom”, arousing the attention of a band of pirates known as the Wild 13, who want to capture them. The film won Best Youth Film at the Bavarian Film Awards in 2021. In “Faunutland and the Lost Magic” (2020), Emily discovers the magic forest is becoming a lifeless and joyless place since the disappearance of its magic crystal. She then goes on a journey to search for the crystal and restore the forest to normal. “Jackie & Oopjen” (2020) follows Jackie, who runs into Oopjen, a woman who steps out of the canvas of a famous 17th century portrait at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. Accompanied by Jackie, Oopjen decides to search for her missing sister in the real world. Picking up a mysterious spray, Max in “Foxter & Max” (2019) paints a dog with superpowers that helps him to regain confidence. But the dog and Max also end up attracting unwanted attention from dangerous criminals. The film won Best Film at the Children KinoFest in 2020.
      
     The remaining two feature films centre on friendship. In “My Hero Alexis” (2019), young Chilean football fan Tito meets his idol, Alexis Sánchez, and their unexpected friendship grows and they teach each other invaluable life lessons. “Help! I Shrunk My Friends” (2020) tells of Felix, whose friends are suspicious of Melanie, a girl who Felix is entranced by. During a school trip, when Felix sees that his friends are about to ruin his date with Melanie, he shrinks his friends in the heat of the moment.
 
     The “Youthful Encounter” section has specially selected “TKKG – Detective Agency” (2019) for young moviegoers. The film depicts four youngsters, an outcast transfer student, a spoiled plump boy, a bullied short kid and a loner, uniting and unleashing an incredible power as a team, which detects a shocking case.  
 
     This year’s “Film Tunnel” section will screen an animated classic of Walt Disney Studios’ “The Aristocats” (1970), featuring the snow-white, elegant Duchess who is the pampered and beloved cat of a retired opera diva in Paris. The diva plans to leave her fortune to her cats, but her butler schemes to steal the inheritance by dumping Duchess and her three kittens in the countryside. The film won Best Children’s Film at the Sant Jordi Awards in 1972 and was a German Golden Screen award winner in 1973.
 
     Experienced dubbing artists Yip Ka-man and Jason Chan will perform live Cantonese dubbing for “Turu, the Wacky Hen”, “Raggie” and “Jim Button and the Wild 13”, which will also have English subtitles. Except “Boxi and the Lost Treasure”, other films have Chinese and English subtitles.
      
     Apart from the feature films, the FPO has picked 28 animations and shorts from around the world, grouping them into three programmes, which will be screened during the ICYFC in the “World Animation & Shorts” section. Numerous characters and their stories will be introduced, such as a clay pet, a brave black sheep, a clumsy crochet dinosaur, a squirrel who is also a wild conductor, a fox and a pigeon who are on the run together, a sleepless bear and a curious lynx. Professional drama educator Amy Tam will host an introduction in Cantonese during the programmes. 
 
     Tickets priced at $70 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For credit card telephone bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme details, please call 2734 2900 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp/en/listing.html?id=22.
 
     In view of the latest situation of COVID-19, audiences should take note of the latest service arrangements for screening venues, admission and seating to be implemented. For details, please call 2734 2900 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp/en/ticketing.html?id=22.

              

     Following is a question by Dr the Hon Cheng Chung-tai and a reply by the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, in the Legislative Council today (June 9):
 
Question:
 
     It has been reported that there has been an upsurge of staff departure in the Department of Justice (DoJ) recently. Regarding the manpower and expenditure of the DoJ, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the number of the DoJ’s officers of the Government Counsel grade who departed in each quarter since January 2014, with a breakdown by reason of departure as well as their rank and title upon departure; whether the DoJ has assessed the causes for the upsurge of staff departure; and

(2) whether the expenditure of the National Security Prosecutions Division under the DoJ is appropriated from the $8 billion special fund dedicated to meeting the expenditure for safeguarding national security; if so, of the amount involved and the uses of the various items of the estimated expenditure; if not, the head from which the Division’s expenditure is appropriated as well as the uses and amounts of the various subheads?

Reply:

President,
 
     Article 99 of the Basic Law stipulates that public servants must be dedicated to their duties and be responsible to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Civil servants, being a key component of the public service, have a constitutional role to give their best in serving the Chief Executive and the Government of the day. According to the Civil Service Code issued by the Civil Service Bureau (CSB), civil servants are required to uphold the core values of commitment to the rule of law, honesty and integrity, objectivity and impartiality, political neutrality, dedication, professionalism and diligence, and to ensure that no actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest shall arise between their official duties and private interests. Moreover, civil servants shall at all times ensure that their behaviour would not impede their performance of official duties in a fair and professional manner. The above principles are equally applicable to Government Counsel (GC) Grade members at the Department of Justice (DoJ).
 
     The DoJ plays a key role in the legal system of Hong Kong and maintaining the rule of law. In recent years, the HKSAR Government has to cope with ever-increasing challenges, and particularly in the past two years after restoration of order and stability, and as a result of the impact brought by the pandemic. The challenges faced by the DoJ in its legal work are also unprecedented.
 
     For instance, the DoJ’s prosecution work may sometimes attract extensive discussions in the community. Whilst members of the public have the right to express their views on related matters within the boundary permitted by the law, some overseas and local persons have maliciously attacked the DoJ’s prosecution work repeatedly with unfair and unfounded allegations. On civil work, following the social unrest in 2019, the DoJ handles a substantial number of related judicial reviews, including those relating to the Emergency Regulations Ordinance, the Police operation. On the other hand, in light of the rise in acts during social unrest involving online dissemination of information to incite violence and doxxing activities towards judges and law enforcement officers, the Secretary for Justice, as the guardian of public interest, successfully applied for four court injunctions to restrain acts that jeopardise people’s lives, safety and property, and deter or harass the public from enjoying their common rights.
 
     As the head of department, I entirely appreciate that colleagues at the DoJ, on top of heavy daily workload, also have to bear the unnecessary outside pressure. Amid such challenges, I and the DoJ as a team have all along discharging our duties with the highest professional standards, impartiality and without fear or favour. These duties include controlling criminal prosecutions free from any interference in accordance with Article 63 of the Basic Law; providing independent and professional legal advice to the Government; and drafting legislation. 
 
     In relation to Dr the Hon Cheng Chung-tai’s questions, I now reply as follows:
 
(1) Natural staff wastage is commonplace in any organisation, and the Government is no exception. It is inappropriate to describe such normal personnel turnover as what so-called “an upsurge of staff departure”. According to the statistics from the CSB, in 2020-21, the wastage in the civil service was around 4.8 per cent of the strength. Retirement was the primary reason for departure of civil servants, and the other reasons include resignation, completion of agreement and death. In the past few years, the annual numbers of departing DoJ civil servants were about the same, being comparable to the wastage rate of the civil service at large. Departure of GC Grade members in the DoJ (including retirement and resignation) is indeed normal personnel turnover and most importantly, the DoJ’s operation remains unaffected. The society should take this in stride. 
 
     The DoJ has been monitoring the manpower situation within the department. A vacancy, as it arises, will be filled as appropriate under the succession arrangement to ensure the normal operation of the department. I believe that colleagues now at the DoJ are all sharing a common goal: to serve Hong Kong, to advance the rule of law and access to justice, thereby achieving “Rule of Law and Justice for All”.
 
     Moreover, the DoJ will continue to provide professional training for our counsel with a view to broadening their horizons and enhancing their skills in different areas of work. We will also give due recognition to colleagues with outstanding performance and strive to gain them the same from the sector.
 
(2) As pointed out in the HKSAR Government’s statement of February 25 this year, the funding arrangement for the expenditure for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR is made in strict accordance with the relevant requirements in the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR (National Security Law). According to Article 19 of the National Security Law, the Financial Secretary of the HKSAR shall, upon approval of the Chief Executive, appropriate from the general revenue a special fund to meet the expenditure for safeguarding national security and approve the establishment of relevant posts, which are not subject to any restrictions in the relevant provisions of the laws in force in the HKSAR. The Financial Secretary shall submit an annual report on the control and management of the fund for this purpose to the Legislative Council of the HKSAR (LegCo). To this end, the Financial Secretary has made a provision of $8 billion to meet the expenditure for safeguarding national security in the next few years and will submit a report to the LegCo in due course. read more