Talking Points

MTR weight limit kicks in

The MTR brings in restrictions on the weight of baggage in an attempt to stem the influx of parallel traders at stations in the northeastern New Territories. The 32 kg limit, to be enforced using electronic scales, will be focused on four stations near the border with Shenzhen - Sheung Shui, Fanling, Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau. Sheung Shui was the scene of large-scale protests against the traders, who are accused of pushing up prices and putting infrastructure under strain as they buy goods for resale on the mainland.
 

Judicial reform proposals expected

Beijing releases a white paper on judicial reform, expected to herald the first shake-up of the judicial system since 2008. Security tsar and Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang said in a meeting of a judicial reform steering group in August that judicial work must give priority to the Communist Party's cause, the interests of the people, the constitution and laws.
 

HK to learn Asian Cup opponents

Hong Kong's soccer team will learn who they will take on in qualifying for the 2015 Asian Cup when the draw takes place in Melbourne. Some 20 teams will take their first step on the road to the finals in Australia and Hong Kong's group of four could include the likes of Iran, Saudi Arabia and China. The city's footballers have not made the finals of the tournament since 1968. Their best performance was finishing third in the first Asian Cup on home soil in 1956.
 

Egyptian court to rule on constitutional body

Egypt's top court is due to decide on the fate of the constituent assembly that is drafting the country's new constitution. More than 40 lawyers have petitioned the Administrative Court to dissolve the assembly, which they say is not representative of the country. The hearing takes place on the first anniversary of clashes in Cairo in which more than 20 Coptic Christians were killed.
 

More woe for Japanese carmakers?

Toyota announces its Chinese sales for last month, with the figures expected to confirm a slump in sales on the mainland, reflecting increasing anti-Japanese sentiment as a result of tensions over the Diaoyu Islands. The figures are expected to confirm the gloomy picture that emerged in Mazda's monthly sales total, released last week, which showed sales tumbled by more than a third year on tear.
 

Stamp of approval for Love Post Day

Hongkongers have a chance to send a letter or postcard to a local address for free as Hongkong Post celebrates Love Post Day, part of World Post Day. The hope is that citizens will fall back in love with the letter, which has become increasingly marginalised as electronic communication has taken off. The event is in its ninth year.