In Brief
Mixed ratings for government
Satisfaction with the government's performance increased 4 percentage points to 40 per cent last month, though the ratings for the chief executive and top three ministers dropped, a Chinese University survey found. Donald Tsang Yam-kuen's rating fell 1.5 points to 63.8 out of 100. Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah dropped 2.5 points to 65, while Chief Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen and Secretary for Justice Wong Yan-lung dropped 1 and 0.4 point to 62.2 and 61.
Court target missed again
The Judiciary Administration revealed it has been unable to reach targets in minimising waiting times in magistrates' courts for the second year running. Waiting times for the High Court, District Court and other tribunals were kept within targets last year, but a higher caseload and increasing complexity of cases affected the magistrates' courts' average waiting times, it said.
Help for low earners considered
The government will look for ways to help low-income residents who are not participants of the Mandatory Provident Fund scheme, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Chan Ka-keung has said. Legislator Wong Kwok-hing said a budget proposal to inject HK$6,000 into the MPF accounts of people with monthly incomes lower than HK$10,000 had overlooked those who opted for other pension schemes and the government should assist them.
Tax break for vehicles
Buyers of newly registered commercial vehicles that meet the standard for environmentally friendly commercial vehicles, set at the Euro V level, will from today enjoy concessions of up to 100 per cent on their first registration taxes, the Environmental Protection Department said.
Plan for idling ban supported
The government has received nearly 1,200 submissions on a proposed ban on idling engines as a public consultation ended. An Environment Bureau spokeswoman said the proposals showed most residents supported the idea and the government planned to send a bill to the Legislative Council in the 2008-09 legislature year.
