In Brief

Rita Fan hints she is considering running for chief executive

Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, Hong Kong's Standing Committee member of the National People's Congress, and former Legcopresident, dropped a strong hint she was considering running for chief executive of the city next year. 'For the time being, I want to enjoy life for one or two more months. Once I make any decision, it will be very tough,' she said. On the proposal to raise the cap on candidates' campaign spending from HK$9.5 million to HK$13 million, she said citizens' support would be more important.

Insight into fresh controversy surrounding former housing chief

An insight was given into the controversial work of former housing chief Leung Chin-man for Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. A person close to the conglomerate, which is a major shareholder in property giant New World Development, said it might have decided to use services provided by a consultant company owned by him because of his extensive personal network in the mainland. A public outcry occurred three years ago over Leung's post-retirement job with an NWD subsidiary.

'Important state leader' may visit

An 'important state leader' may visit Hong Kong for the 14th anniversary of the city's handover on July 1, said Wang Guangya, director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office. Wang himself is planning a tour to Hong Kong in May or June. Premier Wen Jiabao , who paid an official visit to the city in 2003, said last month that he wanted to return.

Europe says press still free in HK

Hong Kong continues to be a centre of free press and free speech and a leading regional media hub, the European Commission's annual report on the city states. It said the rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens had been respected in the last year. The conclusion, reached yesterday, contrasts with the United States' annual worldwide human rights report, which criticised local media for self-censorship.