https://www.scmp.com/rss/502424/feed Lilian joined the Post in 2019 as a senior reporter covering Hong Kong politics, Hong Kong-mainland issues, as well as housing and land policies. She started her career at Ming Pao in 2010 and was then a principal reporter at i-Cable News. She has won awards for her reports on a major historic relic discovery in Hong Kong, as well as vote-rigging problems in local elections. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com The resignation of two British judges from Hong Kong’s top court will not affect judicial independence, former justice minister Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah has said, amid questions over whether the system of having foreign justices serving will remain in place over the long term. The sudden departure of Lawrence Collins and Jonathan Sumption from the Court of Final Appeal on Thursday sent shock waves through legal circles and left only eight overseas non-permanent judges on the top bench. Cheng, who... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3265873/exit-2-uk-judges-wont-affect-top-hong-kong-courts-independence-ex-justice-chief-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3265873/exit-2-uk-judges-wont-affect-top-hong-kong-courts-independence-ex-justice-chief-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Jun 2024 02:00:20 +0000 Hong Kong’s leader had to issue a clarification on Friday after he congratulated one of his senior advisers on his “puberty” in a dinner speech, saying his remarks should be taken into context after they sparked criticism about his use of English. A source said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu was simply trying to make “lighthearted” comments by quoting the adviser, Ronny Tong Ka-wah. A video clip of his remarks began circulating on Thursday night after Lee attended a fundraising dinner to mark... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3265868/hong-kong-leader-clarifies-puberty-remark-dinner-speech-referring-adviser?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3265868/hong-kong-leader-clarifies-puberty-remark-dinner-speech-referring-adviser?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:14:44 +0000 At least half of the eight remaining overseas judges who sit on Hong Kong’s top court have pledged to remain after two of their British peers resigned in an abrupt move that the city’s leader and chief justice both described as regrettable. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Friday that the judicial system’s independence and operations would not be affected by the resignation of Lawrence Collins and Jonathan Sumption, two British non-permanent judges appointed to the Court of Final... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3265702/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-chief-justice-voice-regret-over-resignation-2-british-judges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3265702/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-chief-justice-voice-regret-over-resignation-2-british-judges?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:51:07 +0000 Two British judges have resigned from Hong Kong’s top court, with one attributing his departure to the city’s “political situation”, dropping a political bombshell that has sent shock waves through legal circles. In a reply to the Post, Lawrence Collins confirmed he had resigned as a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal. “I have resigned … because of the political situation in Hong Kong, but I continue to have the fullest confidence in the court and the total independence of its... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3265683/two-british-judges-resign-hong-kongs-top-court-bombshell-move?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3265683/two-british-judges-resign-hong-kongs-top-court-bombshell-move?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:43:50 +0000 For three decades, Hong Kong served as the only place on Chinese soil where large-scale peaceful demonstrations were organised annually on June 4 to remember those killed in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. The anniversary vigil, held at Victoria Park, was attended by tens of thousands of residents, serving both as a visual spectacle with its sea of candles and a spiritual anchor for the occasion. But starting in 2020, the authorities denied requests to stage the event for two years,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3265376/remembering-tiananmen-crackdown-what-has-happened-hong-kongs-tradition-commemorating-june-4?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3265376/remembering-tiananmen-crackdown-what-has-happened-hong-kongs-tradition-commemorating-june-4?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:13:46 +0000 Around 40 tourism sector representatives and media from eight mainland Chinese cities recently added to a solo travel scheme have arrived for an “in-depth exploration” of Hong Kong, with a government minister saying their trip will help to bring in more visitors. The group arrived on Sunday on a five-day, four-night itinerary and will visit various attractions including Central Market, Tai Kwun, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+. They are in the city as part of an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3265066/hong-kong-welcomes-40-tourism-representatives-mainland-chinese-cities-promote-expanded-solo-travel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3265066/hong-kong-welcomes-40-tourism-representatives-mainland-chinese-cities-promote-expanded-solo-travel?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Jun 2024 08:45:58 +0000 Hong Kong Cantopop stars Stephanie Ho Ngan-si and Fred Cheng Chun-wan have revealed their son has been diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, in an effort to raise awareness about the rare genetic disorder. Singer and actress Ho, 31, wrote on Instagram on Saturday that Asher, now two years old, was diagnosed with the condition after being tested last year. People with Angelman Syndrome tend to have happy demeanours but are non-verbal and prone to seizures, she said. The condition is a rare... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3265045/hong-kong-star-couple-stephanie-ho-fred-cheng-share-story-sons-angelman-syndrome-diagnosis-raise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3265045/hong-kong-star-couple-stephanie-ho-fred-cheng-share-story-sons-angelman-syndrome-diagnosis-raise?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Jun 2024 03:18:46 +0000 Hong Kong police are investigating the death of a motorist in Yau Ma Tei after his car slammed into a fire station. Police on Sunday said the victim, a 67-year-old man, was driving west along Waterloo Road at 11.30pm the night before, when he reportedly lost control of his car and struck the building. The man was unconscious as he was rushed to Kwong Wah Hospital with serious leg injuries, but was certified dead an hour after the accident. The force’s special investigation team of traffic for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3265041/hong-kong-police-probe-death-motorist-who-crashed-yau-ma-tei-fire-station?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3265041/hong-kong-police-probe-death-motorist-who-crashed-yau-ma-tei-fire-station?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Jun 2024 02:33:23 +0000 A verdict in a landmark national security case in Hong Kong involving 47 opposition figures has set the basis for future appeals and serves to flesh out more fully a law that had been criticised previously for being too broad, legal experts have said. While the court decision had given clarity, the issue of the scope of the law would still be in contention, one scholar said, while another said ordinary citizens with no intention to break the law were unlikely to be troubled by the implications... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3264773/hong-kong-47-judges-ruling-what-constitutes-subversion-clarifies-law-still-too-broad-and-could-be?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3264773/hong-kong-47-judges-ruling-what-constitutes-subversion-clarifies-law-still-too-broad-and-could-be?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 May 2024 00:05:50 +0000 A 28-year-old investment banker with terminal cancer who donated HK$800,000 (US$102,480) to a Hong Kong foundation set up to help young patients with the disease has died surrounded by his loved ones, his family has revealed. “Thank you for your love and encouragement for Gabriel [Yeung Ka-piu],” the family said in a post on his personal Instagram account on Thursday. “Gabriel passed away peacefully in late March, before Easter, surrounded by his loved ones. “The farewell ceremony has also... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3263758/surrounded-loved-ones-hong-kong-terminal-cancer-patient-who-went-viral-donating-hk800000-help-young?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3263758/surrounded-loved-ones-hong-kong-terminal-cancer-patient-who-went-viral-donating-hk800000-help-young?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 May 2024 06:18:53 +0000 About 30 staff members at a Hong Kong public hospital have taken sick leave due to diarrhoea and vomiting after eating food from on-site canteens, prompting the institution to file a report to health authorities. Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan said on Wednesday night it had received reports from staff who were experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis after consuming the food at lunchtime, causing them to stop work. A number of different departments were affected, the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3263718/30-staff-hong-kong-public-hospital-fall-ill-diarrhoea-vomiting-after-eating-canteen-food?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3263718/30-staff-hong-kong-public-hospital-fall-ill-diarrhoea-vomiting-after-eating-canteen-food?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 May 2024 00:49:49 +0000 Hong Kong cabbies acting as passengers have attempted to trick Uber drivers into stopping near police patrols in an effort to “spontaneously report” illegal ride-hailing services, according to a spate of videos that recently went viral online. Footage and photos widely shared on Facebook and the Reddit-like forum LIHKG on Thursday showed passengers filming their journeys and encouraging several drivers to stop at spots near the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal where officers were patrolling. “Please park... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3263001/uber-passengers-hong-kong-dupe-drivers-stopping-next-police-effort-report-illegal-ride-services?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3263001/uber-passengers-hong-kong-dupe-drivers-stopping-next-police-effort-report-illegal-ride-services?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 May 2024 03:34:04 +0000 Once a hothouse for grooming elite civil servants, Hong Kong’s trade office in London was where former city leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and ex-financial secretary John Tsang Chun-wah nurtured their budding careers before rising to the top jobs within government. But as UK-Hong Kong relations hit rock bottom following the 2019 protests and the city’s implementation of the national security law, the government outpost has become a hotspot for protests and even vandalism. The Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3262699/uk-spying-case-puts-hong-kong-trade-offices-london-and-elsewhere-cross-hairs-geopolitical-battles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3262699/uk-spying-case-puts-hong-kong-trade-offices-london-and-elsewhere-cross-hairs-geopolitical-battles?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 May 2024 00:30:11 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Three men – including a Hong Kong public officer – have been charged in Britain with conducting spying activities by allegedly carrying out surveillance against dissidents from the city, prompting strong condemnation from Beijing which called the case “pure fabrication”. In a strongly worded statement, the Chinese embassy in London said on Monday that Beijing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3262475/uk-police-charge-3-men-spying-activities-related-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3262475/uk-police-charge-3-men-spying-activities-related-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 May 2024 08:13:09 +0000 Lilian Cheng Lilian Cheng Many of Hong Kong’s five-star hotels continue to offer free plastic amenities for guests, with industry leaders saying the operators want to avoid upsetting tourists by charging them for the items despite a recent ban. The approach differed greatly from arrangements put in place by some budget hotels, which the Post earlier reported were charging visitors varying prices for the amenities, sparking accusations the operators were simply trying to profit from the new rules. The hotel sector also... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3262302/hong-kongs-luxury-hotels-shun-single-use-plastics-ban-amid-worries-bad-experience-guests?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3262302/hong-kongs-luxury-hotels-shun-single-use-plastics-ban-amid-worries-bad-experience-guests?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 May 2024 04:37:13 +0000 Hong Kong authorities are planning to add more appointed members and government representatives to a statutory body overseeing social workers, amid accusations that the organisation failed to bar national security offenders. Lawmaker Peter Douglas Koon Ho-ming on Saturday confirmed to the Post the government would propose to change the composition of the 15-member Social Workers Registration Board to reverse the current dominance by eight elected workers from the sector. Secretary for Labour and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3262273/hong-kong-regulator-failed-stop-national-security-offenders-registering-social-workers-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3262273/hong-kong-regulator-failed-stop-national-security-offenders-registering-social-workers-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 May 2024 14:52:50 +0000 The government has suspended the contractor and subcontractor responsible for building Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park after a 52-year-old worker was crushed between an elevated work platform and a metal structure in a fatal accident. The Development Bureau announced its decision to bar the two companies from tendering for public works contracts, a day after the Labour Department halted related platform work at the park to ensure measures were taken to mitigate future risks. The suspension of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3262219/hong-kong-suspends-2-construction-companies-building-kai-tak-sports-park-after-worker-dies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3262219/hong-kong-suspends-2-construction-companies-building-kai-tak-sports-park-after-worker-dies?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 May 2024 10:11:21 +0000 The average waiting time for a Hong Kong public rental flat has dropped slightly to 5.7 years, with the city’s major provider voicing confidence the housing supply will log an “obvious increase” from next year. The Housing Authority revealed on Friday that the figure for the first quarter of 2024 for general applicants – families and elderly households – had eased marginally from the 5.8 years recorded in the previous quarter. Among the 5,300 general applicants housed this quarter, about 2,800... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3262144/wait-public-rental-housing-drops-57-years-hong-kongs-leading-provider-confident-overall-supply-will?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3262144/wait-public-rental-housing-drops-57-years-hong-kongs-leading-provider-confident-overall-supply-will?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 May 2024 06:01:49 +0000 A court ban on the distribution of the controversial protest song “Glory to Hong Kong” has raised questions over the use of the tune, which can easily be accessed on the internet. Wednesday’s interim injunction bans “broadcasting, performing, printing, publishing, selling, offering for sale, distributing, disseminating, displaying or reproducing in any way” the tune with the intention to incite others to separate Hong Kong from the rest of the country, commit a seditious act or insult the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3262068/protest-song-glory-hong-kong-ban-legal-experts-weigh-whats-breach-and-what-isnt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3262068/protest-song-glory-hong-kong-ban-legal-experts-weigh-whats-breach-and-what-isnt?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 May 2024 12:34:15 +0000 The controversial protest song “Glory to Hong Kong” has been banned by a court on the grounds that it has become a “weapon” that could be used to arouse anti-government and separatist sentiment. Justice minister Paul Lam Ting-kwok said he believed that internet platform operators, such as Google, would comply with the court order to remove content related to the song, widely considered the unofficial anthem of the 2019 protests triggered by a now-shelved extradition bill. Here the Post explains... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3262057/court-bans-glory-hong-kong-what-song-and-why-it-so-controversial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3262057/court-bans-glory-hong-kong-what-song-and-why-it-so-controversial?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 May 2024 11:02:34 +0000 The case of a 47-year-old Hong Kong woman snatched on Monday from a busy Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district in broad daylight despite her screams for help has shocked the city. Police later found the woman, who was unhurt, in a car at Heng On Estate in Ma On Shan, about 21km (13 miles) away from the scene of her abduction. The force on Tuesday arrested three people and said it was suspected the incident revolved around a dispute over HK$100,000 (US$12,786). It added that the alleged abductors and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3261746/womans-abduction-busy-hong-kong-street-revives-memories-past-kidnappings-including-when-tycoons-were?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3261746/womans-abduction-busy-hong-kong-street-revives-memories-past-kidnappings-including-when-tycoons-were?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 May 2024 10:33:36 +0000 A Hong Kong court will decide the fate of 47 opposition figures involved in a landmark national security trial for their role in an unofficial legislative primary election at the end of this month, the Post has learned. The judiciary has reserved two days, May 30 and 31, to hand down verdicts on 16 defendants who pleaded not guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit subversion in the trial at West Kowloon Court, according to a judicial notice on Tuesday. After a 118-day trial spanning 10 months... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3261743/47-hong-kong-opposition-figures-learn-fate-landmark-national-security-trial-end-may?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3261743/47-hong-kong-opposition-figures-learn-fate-landmark-national-security-trial-end-may?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 May 2024 09:40:08 +0000 Hong Kong authorities have countered a taxi trade proposal to boost fares by offering a lower increase of HK$2 (26 US cents) for all flag-fall rates rather than the up to HK$6 rise sought by the industry, the Post has learned. Two sources said on Tuesday that authorities had told members of the Executive Council about the new proposal, but it would be subject to industry feedback before the key decision-making body could approve it. Under the government’s counterproposal, the flag fall for all... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3261711/hong-kong-authorities-offer-taxi-trade-hk2-rise-flag-fall-rate-all-cabs-undercutting-industry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3261711/hong-kong-authorities-offer-taxi-trade-hk2-rise-flag-fall-rate-all-cabs-undercutting-industry?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 May 2024 07:26:45 +0000 Mainland Chinese tourists have vented their anger on social media over differences in prices and provision of amenities in Hong Kong hotels after a single-use plastics ban came into effect, with some accusing operators of “profiteering”. Other tourists found the lack of items such as plastic tubes of toothpaste and bottled water in some hotels not visitor-friendly and appealed to management to better inform guests of the changes in advance so they would not be caught off guard. But sector... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3261453/mainland-chinese-tourists-hong-kong-complain-about-hotel-charges-toiletries-packed-plastic-after-ban?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3261453/mainland-chinese-tourists-hong-kong-complain-about-hotel-charges-toiletries-packed-plastic-after-ban?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 May 2024 01:00:30 +0000 Member countries of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) should support the roll-out and management of various projects by taking advantage of Hong Kong’s “deep and wide” fundraising platforms and professional services, the city’s finance chief has said during a four-day visit to Georgia. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po arrived in the country on Thursday to attend the 57th annual meeting of the ADB’s board of governors. Chan and ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa exchanged views on issues such as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3261297/hong-kongs-paul-chan-encourages-regional-bank-members-use-citys-fundraising-platforms-professional?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3261297/hong-kongs-paul-chan-encourages-regional-bank-members-use-citys-fundraising-platforms-professional?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 May 2024 05:44:51 +0000 Hongkongers can net themselves an 11-day holiday with the smart use of their annual leave around the 2025 Christmas break, or a 10-day one over next year’s Easter festivities. The government announced on Friday that residents were entitled to 17 days marked as public holidays next year, including five extended weekends. The number is the same as last year. The holiday calendar means residents working Mondays to Fridays can strategically use their annual leave to get longer holidays. An ideal... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3261294/how-can-hongkongers-use-public-holidays-strategically-longer-breaks-2025-post-has-answers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3261294/how-can-hongkongers-use-public-holidays-strategically-longer-breaks-2025-post-has-answers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 May 2024 05:12:40 +0000 Hong Kong is most likely to again defer its twice-postponed waste-charging scheme, with some advisers warning of a loss of public trust if the government pushes ahead with the controversial initiative in August, the Post has learned. Sources also said that senior officials had started paving the way for the U-turn – which is expected to be made later this month – by acknowledging in their public speeches since Wednesday the problems residents encountered during a trial run. The government had... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3261242/hong-kong-waste-charging-scheme-set-yet-another-delay-some-advisers-warning-pushing-measure-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3261242/hong-kong-waste-charging-scheme-set-yet-another-delay-some-advisers-warning-pushing-measure-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 May 2024 14:51:04 +0000 Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay once again became the heart of fanfare for Cantopop heartthrob Keung To on Tuesday as thousands gathered to celebrate the star’s birthday, while tourists visiting for ‘golden week’ look on with awe and amusement. Fans of the boy band Mirror member packed Hennessy Road, which was lavishly emblazoned with Keung’s photos and well wishes for his 25th birthday from the afternoon until night. The occasion coincided with a free ride day on the city’s trams, which was sponsored... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3260984/keung-bay-mirror-fever-hits-hong-kongs-causeway-bay-thousands-gather-celebrate-cantopop-idols?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3260984/keung-bay-mirror-fever-hits-hong-kongs-causeway-bay-thousands-gather-celebrate-cantopop-idols?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:27:29 +0000 Hong Kong authorities have arrested three men suspected of involvement in the illegal sale of drugs and Chinese herbal medicine, as law enforcement ramps up surveillance in busy shopping districts ahead of the “golden week” holiday. Police and the Department of Health mounted a joint operation in Yau Tsim Mong district on Monday, which led to the arrests of the three, aged between 29 and 33, for allegedly selling and possessing medicinal products without a licence. During raids on two retail... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3260962/hong-kong-steps-enforcement-ahead-golden-week-holiday-three-arrested-alleged-illegal-sale-drugs-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3260962/hong-kong-steps-enforcement-ahead-golden-week-holiday-three-arrested-alleged-illegal-sale-drugs-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Apr 2024 11:16:54 +0000 A new formula for adjusting the minimum wage which bars any cut to the rate will take effect next year after Hong Kong’s key decision-making body approved a mechanism hailed by officials as striking a balance between the interests of bosses and workers. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said on Tuesday that the new mechanism recommended by the Minimum Wage Commission would safeguard pay levels while maintaining Hong Kong’s competitiveness. “The recommendations of the commission... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3260877/hong-kongs-executive-council-approves-new-mechanism-blocks-cuts-minimum-wage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3260877/hong-kongs-executive-council-approves-new-mechanism-blocks-cuts-minimum-wage?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Apr 2024 04:45:27 +0000 Hong Kong’s No 2 official has called for a soft approach to fostering patriotism among students by embracing film culture, mega sports events and exchanges such as visits to aerospace facilities. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said on Monday that the government had no plans to introduce new legislation to enforce patriotic education, unlike mainland China which imposed a dedicated law in October last year. “Patriotism is not about rote memorisation,” Chan said while addressing the press after... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3260786/soft-approach-hong-kong-adopt-arts-entertainment-and-exchanges-instil-patriotism-among-youths-eric?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3260786/soft-approach-hong-kong-adopt-arts-entertainment-and-exchanges-instil-patriotism-among-youths-eric?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Apr 2024 08:54:32 +0000 Hong Kong’s justice chief has described the legislative process for the city’s recently enacted domestic national security law as “rigorous” with additional public interest defence clauses and measures to protect an “innocent third party” from being affected by the actions of fugitives. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok also said the public needed to consider all the elements and connections that constituted an offence, rather than basing criticism on isolated parts or wording when... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3260679/hong-kongs-domestic-national-security-law-subject-rigorous-legislative-process-measures-protect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3260679/hong-kongs-domestic-national-security-law-subject-rigorous-legislative-process-measures-protect?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Apr 2024 09:02:23 +0000 More than 10 million vehicles have used a mega bridge linking Hong Kong with Zhuhai and Macau since it opened more than five years ago, Chinese state media has said, just days after a US broadcaster referred to it as an underused “ghost” crossing. Xinhua reported that vehicle flow reached 3.26 million last year, with a daily average of 8,900 using the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The sharp increase from the 860,000 and 1.6 million vehicles in 2019 and 2022, respectively, was attributed to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3260677/hong-kong-zhuhai-macau-bridge-has-carried-10-million-vehicles-opening-xinhua-says-after-us-outlets?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3260677/hong-kong-zhuhai-macau-bridge-has-carried-10-million-vehicles-opening-xinhua-says-after-us-outlets?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Apr 2024 08:03:03 +0000 Hong Kong is set for more heavy rain and thunderstorms this week, prompting the tourism minister to tell visitors to be “mentally prepared” for last-minute changes to a holiday fireworks display. Tourism minister Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said on Sunday authorities were fully prepared at border crossings to cope with anticipated crowds for the coming “golden week” Labour Day holiday and the hotel sector had reported strong room bookings. The holiday, which begins on Wednesday, lasts five days in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3260674/hong-kong-set-hot-and-sunny-weather-later-week-after-enduring-heavy-rain-and-wind?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3260674/hong-kong-set-hot-and-sunny-weather-later-week-after-enduring-heavy-rain-and-wind?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Apr 2024 06:50:00 +0000 Hong Kong has accused the European Union’s lawmaking body of “political hegemony and hypocrisy” over a non-binding resolution that took aim at the city’s national security laws and called for media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s unconditional release. City authorities on Thursday night also slammed the European Parliament over its push for sanctions against Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and other officials, calling the move “political grandstanding rife with ill intentions”. A government... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3260421/hong-kong-accuses-european-parliament-political-hegemony-hypocrisy-over-call-repeal-national?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3260421/hong-kong-accuses-european-parliament-political-hegemony-hypocrisy-over-call-repeal-national?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Apr 2024 03:03:56 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. High-speed rail services between Hong Kong and southern Guangzhou were suspended or redirected on Thursday in response to severe weather in mainland China. The MTR Corporation said authorities across the border had informed it of the suspension of Guangzhou South-bound routes G6528, G6516, G6530 and G6536, as well as Hong Kong-bound routes G6527, G6515, G6529... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3260291/heavy-rainfall-mainland-china-forces-hong-kong-dial-back-high-speed-rail-services?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3260291/heavy-rainfall-mainland-china-forces-hong-kong-dial-back-high-speed-rail-services?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Apr 2024 04:07:18 +0000 Hong Kong’s treasury chief has told a visiting UK minister that British National (Overseas) passports are not recognised as proof of identity, seeking to clear up confusion over whether emigrating residents can withdraw their pensions early. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu also touted the recent domestic national security law as “conducive” to creating a prosperous business environment when he met Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the United Kingdom’s minister for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3260271/hong-kong-treasury-chief-tells-uk-minister-bno-passports-invalid-proof-identity-bid-sort-pensions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3260271/hong-kong-treasury-chief-tells-uk-minister-bno-passports-invalid-proof-identity-bid-sort-pensions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Apr 2024 02:24:03 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory has urged residents to stay alert over possible flooding despite cancelling an amber rainstorm warning in force for more than four hours, with some roads still closed to traffic due to fallen trees. More than 40mm (1.6 inches) of rain fell citywide on Tuesday morning, with Sai Kung recording the most at over 80mm, the weather... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3259973/hong-kong-observatory-issues-third-amber-rainstorm-warning-week-amid-heavy-downpour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3259973/hong-kong-observatory-issues-third-amber-rainstorm-warning-week-amid-heavy-downpour?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Apr 2024 01:41:53 +0000 A senior British official has vowed to raise concerns regarding Hong Kong’s “erosion” of rights and freedoms after the enactment of its domestic national security law, as she embarked on a trip to the city. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in the United Kingdom said Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan would meet authorities in her visit to Hong Kong and Beijing, which began on Friday. “In Hong Kong, I will raise concerns on the passage and implementation of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3259709/visiting-uk-minister-press-hong-kong-authorities-over-erosion-rights-city-after-article-23-law?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3259709/visiting-uk-minister-press-hong-kong-authorities-over-erosion-rights-city-after-article-23-law?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:56:47 +0000 Thunder and showers hit Hong Kong at lunch time on Thursday, as the Observatory issued its first amber rainstorm warning of the year. The alert was issued at 1pm and lasted one hour, indicating heavy rain of 30mm (1.2 inches) an hour had been recorded, mostly in the eastern part of the city and areas of the New Territories. Some were caught off guard by the sudden midday downpour, without umbrellas or raincoats, as they rushed for shelter. Many Hongkongers had headed to work earlier in the day... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3259401/hong-kong-braces-intense-thunder-and-showers-rainy-conditions-expected-through-next-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3259401/hong-kong-braces-intense-thunder-and-showers-rainy-conditions-expected-through-next-week?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Apr 2024 02:13:57 +0000 Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs will deliver a virtual keynote speech in a high-profile seminar on Monday as part of the National Security Education Day’s packed programme, with analysts underscoring the occasion’s importance as a showcase for unity after the enactment of a domestic security law. Xia Baolong, the director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, along with all the top officials from his bureau, will address the ceremony via video link, according to a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3258944/beijings-point-man-hong-kong-affairs-deliver-virtual-keynote-part-citys-biggest-national-security?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3258944/beijings-point-man-hong-kong-affairs-deliver-virtual-keynote-part-citys-biggest-national-security?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Apr 2024 04:00:27 +0000 A stringent background check by the Hong Kong government on a Dubai prince launching a US$500 million family office in the city could have “potentially offended” other overseas investors and undermined the financial hub’s reputation for welcoming business opportunities, three senior officials involved in the matter have told the Post. The officials stressed on Friday the government welcomed potential investment from Sheikh Ali Rashed Ali Saeed Al Maktoum and other Middle Eastern businesspeople,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3258037/stringent-background-checks-investors-such-dubais-sheikh-ali-al-maktoum-could-send-wrong-message?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3258037/stringent-background-checks-investors-such-dubais-sheikh-ali-al-maktoum-could-send-wrong-message?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 14:19:50 +0000 Twenty Hongkongers in Taiwan asked for help from the city’s Immigration Department on Wednesday after a deadly magnitude 7.3 earthquake rocked the island’s southeast coast. The quake was so strong more than 100 people in Hong Kong reported they felt minor tremors. The disaster killed at least nine people in Taiwan and injured 821. The quake hit at 7.58am in waters about 25km (15.5 miles) southeast of the Taiwanese county of Hualien at a depth of 15.5km and sparked tsunami warnings. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3257635/over-100-hongkongers-report-feeling-tremors-after-73-magnitude-quake-hits-taiwan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3257635/over-100-hongkongers-report-feeling-tremors-after-73-magnitude-quake-hits-taiwan?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Apr 2024 01:22:13 +0000 Prisoners convicted of national security offences will find it hard to be granted early release because of how serious their crimes are, Hong Kong’s leader has said, warning the public “not to test” the city’s laws after the enactment of the new Article 23 legislation. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu issued the warning on Tuesday, a day after sources confirmed that activist Adam Ma Chun-man did not get the early release normally granted for good behaviour in prison. Ma, known as the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3256755/do-not-test-law-hong-kongs-john-lee-warns-national-security-offenders-will-find-it-hard-get-early?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3256755/do-not-test-law-hong-kongs-john-lee-warns-national-security-offenders-will-find-it-hard-get-early?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Mar 2024 06:48:06 +0000 Hong Kong’s leader has vowed to increase the intelligence gathering and analysis capacities of law enforcement agencies following the enactment of the city’s domestic national security legislation, while urging firms to speak up and explain its “merits” abroad. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday also pledged to boost public education on patriotism and ensure the legislation would be “strictly enforced” as he outlined plans to develop the economy on four fronts after fulfilling the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3256726/hong-kongs-leader-vows-step-intelligence-collection-analysis-law-enforcement-after-article-23?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3256726/hong-kongs-leader-vows-step-intelligence-collection-analysis-law-enforcement-after-article-23?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Mar 2024 04:16:52 +0000 Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs was “very satisfied” with the quick passage of the domestic national security law and praised the city’s leader and other top officials for shepherding the bill through to completion as he met them in Shenzhen on Thursday, attendees told the Post. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu revealed hours after the closed-door meeting that he had informed Xia Baolong about the city’s latest developments, including the unanimous vote on Tuesday approving the... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/3256209/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-meets-beijings-point-man-xia-baolong-shenzhen-2-days-after-delivering?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/3256209/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-meets-beijings-point-man-xia-baolong-shenzhen-2-days-after-delivering?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Mar 2024 08:08:22 +0000 Lawmakers unanimously passed Hong Kong’s domestic national security law on Tuesday night at the end of a marathon session, fast-tracking the constitutionally mandated legislation which had been shelved for more than two decades because of initial public opposition. There was no hint of dissent in the Legislative Council this time as all 88 members took turns over 10 hours to speak of their “historic mission” to plug loopholes in the city’s overall legal framework for protecting national... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3255999/historic-moment-hong-kong-passes-domestic-national-security-law-after-marathon-session-fast-tracking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3255999/historic-moment-hong-kong-passes-domestic-national-security-law-after-marathon-session-fast-tracking?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:04:31 +0000 Natalie Wong,Lilian Cheng Natalie Wong,Lilian Cheng When Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said a new national security legislation as part of Article 23 would proceed at “full speed”, he really meant to say “fast and furious” opined a commenter on social media. The comment was uttered in jest, but there was a lot of truth to it when looking at the barrelling through of the bill in recent weeks. It all began in earnest on January 30 when the government launched a 110-page consultation document that set out the framework which updated and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3255711/why-hong-kong-fast-tracking-its-article-23-domestic-national-security-law-catching-enemies-guard?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3255711/why-hong-kong-fast-tracking-its-article-23-domestic-national-security-law-catching-enemies-guard?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:30:14 +0000 Hong Kong lawmakers have unanimously approved moving a domestic national security bill to the next stage just 15 hours after authorities presented amendments, including granting new powers to the city leader to draft subsidiary legislation to add new offences. The head of a bills committee that scrutinised the proposed legislation will verbally deliver a report to the Legislative Council’s House Committee on Friday afternoon, a day after lawmakers expressed support for 47 changes proposed by the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3255285/hong-kongs-article-23-bill-amendments-toughen-legislation-give-chief-executive-more-power?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3255285/hong-kongs-article-23-bill-amendments-toughen-legislation-give-chief-executive-more-power?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:15:59 +0000 Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong authorities have slammed three foreign media outlets over “misleading” remarks about the city’s proposed domestic national security law including an article in UK newspaper The Times that claimed anyone caught with old Apple Daily copies may be jailed. A spokesman for the foreign ministry’s arm in Hong Kong said in an open letter to The Washington Post’s editorial board on Tuesday that it was “deeply shocked” by the paper’s “ignorance and double standard” on the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3255023/hong-kong-security-chief-slams-washington-post-editorial-accusing-city-doubling-down-repression?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3255023/hong-kong-security-chief-slams-washington-post-editorial-accusing-city-doubling-down-repression?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Mar 2024 03:26:44 +0000