Tung Chee-hwa says reforms have brought more freedom
People in China enjoy more freedom today than before because of reform and opening policies launched 30 years ago on the mainland, former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa told the BBC during a radio interview. Mr Tung, who is a vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said: 'China is now the fourth-largest economy in the world; 1.3 billion people have been moved from poverty to a reasonable income level. The most important thing is the freedom it has released. It is wonderful. There is still some way to go but we will get there.' In an interview with Xinhua and other state media, Mr Tung said Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland should step up co-operation in view of the global financial crisis.
By-election for Tai Wai seat
A by-election for the Tai Wai district council seat in Sha Tin would be held this year, the government said. The director of home affairs will today give official notice of the vacancy, which arose when the High Court ruled last month that Yuen Kwai-choi, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, had not been duly elected because he had made false accusations against his rival, Democrat Leung Wing-hung, in the November 2007 district election. Mr Yuen won by 83 votes.
Man dies of maggot infestation
The Centre for Health Protection said a 79-year-old inmate of a Yuen Long old people's home had suffered a maggot infestation in his throat. The man was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital 10 days ago with bleeding gums and a foul smell in his mouth. His condition deteriorated and he died three days later. The centre said he had suffered from multiple illnesses. The maggot infestation was the ninth of the year. In 2007, 14 cases were reported. There were 15 cases in 2006.
