In Brief
rafael hui meets lobby group on arts hub
Chief Secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan yesterday met citizens concerned about development of the West Kowloon Cultural District. It was the first meeting between the People's Panel on West Kowloon and the senior official in charge of the arts hub development. Also joining the discussion was Central Policy Unit chief Lau Siu-kai. Cyd Ho Sau-lan, from the People's Panel, said they hoped the government would set up a forum where the business community, the government and the public could discuss the project and set out long-term cultural policies.
No worries over $37b mid-year budget deficit
The government recorded a budget deficit of $37.3 billion for the first five months of this financial year. Expenditure for the period amounted to $96 billion and revenue to $58.7 billion. A government spokesman said a deficit in the early months of a financial year was not unusual. Fiscal reserves stood at $258.7 billion at August 31.
visitors held over drugs due in court
Two Malaysian tourists were arrested at Chek Lap Kok airport after 6kg of ketamine worth $1 million was found in the false compartments of suitcases on Thursday. The arrests were made when the two arrived from Kuala Lumpur. The men, aged 27 and 41, are due to appear at Eastern Court today.
40 Civil servants wanted
The government will launch a recruitment drive today to hire up to 40 administrative officers. The application period will run until October 24. Candidates are required to pass the common recruitment examination, scheduled for December 3.
tips on food safety Senior food safety officials have visited the Centre for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in Washington to study the operation of the US regulatory body.
