Flash it, cash it, or stash it

On a rain-drenched evening, under Times Square's sheltered entrance, we grabbed quotes from Hong Kong residents who were not only eligible but ready and eager to get their HK$6,000 tax rebate from the government. Even those who weren't going to benefit had a sense of the excitement for friends and relatives who were eligible. Hong Kong's permanent residents are to receive HK$40.5 billion (the cost to the government, including cash handouts and tax rebates, according to spokesman Patrick Wong). Early in March, Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah opted to hand out the cash and tax rebates instead of, for example, infusing the pension fund accounts.

The scheme has been received with much scepticism and criticism. But as the random sampling of opinion below demonstrates, people are delighted that the government is refunding part of an enormous surplus back to the citizens.

Lam Kwok-yiu, 23

I heard about the HK$6,000 online, then I read about it in magazines and newspapers, and of course, all my friends were talking about it. It's not yet time for me to get the application papers, but I've already started thinking about what to do with the money - travel, I think. It's nice to get away for a holiday. I've never heard of a government handout like this - it's great. I hadn't heard about the HK$200 bonus if we wait 'til next year. But I don't think I will wait.

David Mok, 46

I was very happy to hear permanent residents would receive HK$6,000. I read it about in newspapers first and then followed up online. I'm glad to know I'm eligible. I'm not sure what I'll do with it right now - maybe shop for sporting goods. I have friends and know people who got the money. It went very fast; people spent it almost immediately. No one I know has the patience to wait for an extra HK$200 by applying for it next year. With senior citizens, I heard a man joke on TV that he might not be alive next year, so he wants to get it as soon as possible!

Lam Hin-tung, 21