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STAFF

John Tsang defends his budget
The Financial Secretary, John Tsang Chun-wah, appears on a Chinese-language phone-in programme run by Hong Kong's three radio broadcasters - Radio Television Hong Kong, Commercial Radio and Metro. This gives Tsang a chance to defend the various measures he announced in yesterday's budget, including sweeteners that were less generous than those he offered in last year's fiscal blueprint. He also warned about the need for financial prudence in the face of possible long-term budget deficits.
 
Government announces land sale programme
The development secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, unveils the land sale programme for the coming financial year. The Financial Secretary, John Tsang Chun-wah, announced yesterday that there would be 34 residential sites on the list. Chan will reveal the locations of the various sites that will be available for residential or commercial development. The government has been selling more sites in a bid to boost the number of flats on offer.
 
Legco to discuss domestic helper policies
The Legislative Council's manpower panel will hold a special meeting to discuss policies relating to foreign domestic helpers and the regulation of employment agencies. More than 50 groups representing domestic helpers, employers and agencies will appear before the panel. They will focus on issues such as abuse of helpers, live-in arrangements and the two-week rule whereby helpers must leave Hong Kong within two weeks of termination of their contracts.
 
Yingluck summoned to corruption hearing
Thailand's anti-corruption commission is summoning Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to hear neglect-of-duty charges in connection with a controversial rice subsidy scheme. She could be forced to step down if she is found guilty. The scheme was set up to benefit rice growers by paying them above the market rate for their produce. It has fuelled opposition to her rule. Opponents have been holding protests in Bangkok in a bid to force her to step down.
 
Obama to elaborate on initiative for blacks
US President Barack Obama will elaborate on an initiative he unveiled in his state-of-the-union address called "My Brother's Keeper". Under the scheme, the government will partner with foundations and businesses to ensure that young blacks remain in school and out of the criminal justice system and have an opportunity to reach their full potential.
 
Philippine president visits Malaysia
The Philippine leader, Benigno Aquino, starts a two-day state visit to Malaysia. He will discuss trade issues and the peace agreement his government signed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on autonomy for Muslim regions in the south of the country. This was brokered by Malaysia. Aquino has ruled out discussion on a claim by the sultan of Sulu in the southern Philippines to the Malaysian state of Sabah.


Talking points

Financial Secretary John Tsang

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra

Philippine president Benigno Aquino

Opinion

Comment

Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...


The Financial Secretary, John Tsang Chun-wah, appears on a Chinese-language phone-in programme run by Hong Kong's three radio broadcasters - Radio Television Hong Kong, Commercial Radio and Metro.
