https://www.scmp.com/rss/522573/feed The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) is a prominent pro-Beijing political party based in Hong Kong, with its headquarters in North Point. Established in 1992, it is currently the largest party in the Legislative Council. The DAB’s primary mission is to build a stable, prosperous, and progressive Hong Kong, advocating for community interests and public policy. It actively participates in local elections, serving as a key supporting force for the SAR... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Brian Wong,Leopold Chen Brian Wong,Leopold Chen Two renovation subcontractors involved in a HK$336 million (US$42.9 million) project at a subsidised estate ravaged by Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades have conceded they did not regulate workers’ smoking behaviour before the inferno. The two engineering firms on Thursday also told an independent committee that they had partially replaced fireproof windows at Wang Fuk Court’s evacuation passages with movable wooden boards to allow workers’ easy access to scaffolding at the behest of main... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350318/we-failed-check-if-workers-smoked-wang-fuk-court-firms-tell-fire-hearing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350318/we-failed-check-if-workers-smoked-wang-fuk-court-firms-tell-fire-hearing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:17:21 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong authorities will be able to demand any “specified person” decrypt electronic devices during national security investigations and may punish suspects who provide wrong passwords or falsely claim to have forgotten them, the security chief has told lawmakers. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung stressed on Tuesday that recent amendments to the national security law’s implementation rules did not create new law enforcement powers. “These amendments have only improved some... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3347762/hidden-gurus-will-be-able-decrypt-devices-hong-kong-national-security-cases?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3347762/hidden-gurus-will-be-able-decrypt-devices-hong-kong-national-security-cases?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:41:53 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong A Hong Kong barrister turned activist on trial for allegedly inciting subversion has accused Beijing of undermining the nation’s constitutional order by entrenching one-party rule, describing the move as a regression. Chow Hang-tung told West Kowloon Court on Monday that mainland China took a step backwards in 2018 by amending the constitution to enshrine the Communist Party’s leadership in its main text at a time when the country was gradually heading towards constitutional democracy. She... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3347577/anti-china-activist-trial-subversion-calls-one-party-rule-regression?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3347577/anti-china-activist-trial-subversion-calls-one-party-rule-regression?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:49:47 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong A former Hong Kong lawmaker on trial for allegedly inciting subversion has denied abetting criminal activity by supporting mainland Chinese dissidents, accusing Beijing of levelling false charges against them. Prosecutors on Wednesday challenged Lee Cheuk-yan’s claim that he had no intention to incite others to overthrow the mainland’s communist rule when he called for an end to “one-party dictatorship” as former chairman of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3347061/former-hong-kong-lawmaker-denies-abetting-criminal-activity-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3347061/former-hong-kong-lawmaker-denies-abetting-criminal-activity-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:00:57 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong A former Hong Kong opposition politician has argued that China’s one-party rule system is incompatible with the country’s constitution and fails to safeguard people’s fundamental rights, as he defended his calls to end “dictatorship” in a high-profile subversion trial. Ex-lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan, a former chairman of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, argued on Tuesday that calling for an end to “one-party dictatorship” in mainland China... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3346900/tiananmen-vigil-activist-trial-says-one-party-rule-contradicts-countrys-constitution?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3346900/tiananmen-vigil-activist-trial-says-one-party-rule-contradicts-countrys-constitution?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:36:25 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Young people can opt to make self-declarations to be exempted from producing proof of address to register as electors under a new Hong Kong government drive to boost voter numbers, lawmakers have been told. A commissioner for oaths will be stationed at each Immigration Department registration of persons office, where young people replace their juvenile identity cards with adult ones upon turning 18. The initiative was outlined as officials presented the 2026 voter registration campaign at... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346785/hong-kong-new-push-get-young-people-register-voters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346785/hong-kong-new-push-get-young-people-register-voters?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:33:01 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong Two former leaders of a now-disbanded alliance behind Hong Kong’s annual Tiananmen Square vigil have a case to answer in a high-profile trial after judges ruled the evidence supported prosecutors’ allegations that the activists incited others to overthrow the Communist Party of China leadership. Three High Court judges on Friday found that the evidence appeared to suggest Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung committed a subversion offence as leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3346478/2-tiananmen-vigil-activists-have-case-answer-subversion-trial-court-rules?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3346478/2-tiananmen-vigil-activists-have-case-answer-subversion-trial-court-rules?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:16:52 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po will deliver his annual budget on Wednesday, unveiling measures to accelerate the city’s economic recovery after balancing the books, amid mounting expectations for more “sweeteners” in the blueprint. The 2026-27 budget also marks the government’s first major test in aligning the city with mainland China’s 15th five-year plan and unveiling long-term growth initiatives. The South China Morning Post examines how political and economic factors will... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344469/ips-superyachts-and-more-can-budget-spark-hong-kongs-purple-patch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344469/ips-superyachts-and-more-can-budget-spark-hong-kongs-purple-patch?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:30:08 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow A Hong Kong district councillor who illegally parked his car and blocked access to a fire exit lane has been “sternly reminded” to watch his conduct, a minister has said, following a similar offence by a colleague within a week. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen revealed on Friday that the Kwai Tsing district officer had already “sternly reminded” Poon Chi-shing in writing to act in accordance with the public’s expectations. “The government attaches great importance to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343492/hong-kong-councillor-warned-over-parking-offence-misconduct-scrutiny-widens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343492/hong-kong-councillor-warned-over-parking-offence-misconduct-scrutiny-widens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:24:08 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s “Queen of Votes” Christine Fong Kwok-shan ran one of the most cost-effective campaigns in the Legislative Council election, spending an average of just HK$20 per vote, the South China Morning Post has found. An SCMP review of the election spending declarations by 32 candidates who contested directly elected seats also found that some candidates spent up to 10 times more than others in terms of average cost per vote, with Jeffrey Chan Chun-hung from local think tank the PoD Research... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343230/hong-kongs-queen-votes-ran-one-cheapest-legco-races-hk20-vote?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343230/hong-kongs-queen-votes-ran-one-cheapest-legco-races-hk20-vote?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:01:03 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong A disbanded alliance behind Hong Kong’s Tiananmen Square vigil had only intended to promote democracy and greater political freedom when it advocated the abolition of the mainland’s one-party rule, a defence lawyer has said in a high-profile national security trial. Defence counsel Erik Shum Sze-man on Wednesday said ending the Communist Party of China’s one-party rule would have been a solution to the political crisis after Beijing’s military crackdown on pro-democracy protests on June 4,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342331/defence-argues-tiananmen-vigil-activists-actions-lawful-exercise-rights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342331/defence-argues-tiananmen-vigil-activists-actions-lawful-exercise-rights?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:45:09 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Fiona Chow Matthew Cheng,Fiona Chow Hong Kong’s transport minister has pledged to refine a policy requiring passengers to wear seat belts on buses by ensuring the devices become more user-friendly, while acknowledging lawmakers’ calls for a review of the recent law. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan made the promise on Wednesday, less than a week after the new rules took effect. The regulations require all passengers travelling on public or private buses, including franchised and school services, to wear seat belts... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3341583/transport-chief-responds-backlash-over-hong-kong-law-public-bus-seat-belts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3341583/transport-chief-responds-backlash-over-hong-kong-law-public-bus-seat-belts?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:54:36 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng An alleged traffic offence involving a Hong Kong lawmaker has sparked a fiery exchange between a veteran of the city’s biggest party and political heavyweight Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, who defended her protege and was accused of double standards. New People’s Party chairwoman Ip, convenor of the government’s key decision-making body Executive Council, reportedly snapped at former lawmaker Choy So-yuk, questioning whether her Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB),... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3341452/wrong-side-hong-kong-politicians-trade-barbs-over-lawmakers-driving?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3341452/wrong-side-hong-kong-politicians-trade-barbs-over-lawmakers-driving?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:29:52 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong A former vice-chairman of the group behind Hong Kong’s annual Tiananmen Square vigil is facing up to 10 years in jail after he admitted to advocating an end to Communist Party rule in mainland China in breach of the national security law. Former opposition lawmaker Albert Ho Chun-yan, 74, on Thursday pleaded guilty to inciting subversion by promoting an end to “one-party dictatorship”, one of the five operational objectives of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3340795/hong-kongs-tiananmen-vigil-activist-admits-subversion-2-deny-national-security-charges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3340795/hong-kongs-tiananmen-vigil-activist-admits-subversion-2-deny-national-security-charges?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:59:34 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng At least three newcomers to Hong Kong’s legislature, including two from the city’s largest political party, have failed to declare company shareholdings, the Post has found, with the trio blaming the omissions on heavy workloads or misunderstandings. The three lawmakers are Jody Kwok Fu-yung and Hung Kam-in of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), and Thomas So Shiu-tsung, a lawyer. “I am still a newcomer and have to handle many matters, such as [a new]... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3340054/3-new-hong-kong-lawmakers-fail-declare-company-shareholdings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3340054/3-new-hong-kong-lawmakers-fail-declare-company-shareholdings?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:33:58 +0000 Leopold Chen,Oscar Liu Leopold Chen,Oscar Liu Hong Kong’s deputy finance chief has softened his stance on resettlement options for people displaced by the deadly Tai Po fire, pledging to take residents’ wishes into account days after calling on-site redevelopment “not practical”. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun said on Monday that rehousing the residents of the blaze-hit Wang Fuk Court estate would be handled “with compassion, reason and in accordance with the law”. Wong, who chairs a government task force on emergency... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339564/hong-kong-dab-chief-urges-respect-tai-po-fire-survivors-community-ties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339564/hong-kong-dab-chief-urges-respect-tai-po-fire-survivors-community-ties?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:55:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial In a symbolic fresh start, the new Legislative Council has elected Starry Lee Wai-king as its president. The veteran lawmaker is experienced in rules and procedures and can preserve continuity while fostering change. Even so, the tasks ahead of her are daunting. How to cooperate closely with the executive branch and enhance “all-patriots” governance without compromising the constitutional functions of the legislature under the Basic Law will put her to the test. The Democratic Alliance for the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3339299/hong-kongs-new-legislative-council-president-must-strike-right-balance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3339299/hong-kongs-new-legislative-council-president-must-strike-right-balance?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:15:16 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong political heavyweights and former leaders gathered on Friday to pay tribute to the late ex-commerce minister Gregory So Kam-leung, as family and friends honoured his devotion to public service. Among those who attended the memorial service for So, who died on December 13, were former chief executives Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and Leung Chun-ying, along with senior government officials and veteran politicians. “We mourn the loss of a dear husband, loving father and grandfather, trusted... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3339282/honest-principled-hong-kong-political-leaders-pay-tribute-ex-minister-gregory-so?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3339282/honest-principled-hong-kong-political-leaders-pay-tribute-ex-minister-gregory-so?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:51:17 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Veteran Hong Kong lawmaker Starry Lee Wai-king has been elected president of the Legislative Council, with the body scheduled to hold its first meeting of the new term on Wednesday next week to debate a government motion related to the Tai Po fire. Lee, a member of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), narrowly defeated finance sector lawmaker Ronick Chan Chun-ying by a margin of five votes on Thursday. The race marked the first time two pro-government... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3339124/hong-kongs-starry-lee-secures-legco-presidency-after-5-vote-win-over-ronick-chan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3339124/hong-kongs-starry-lee-secures-legco-presidency-after-5-vote-win-over-ronick-chan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Jan 2026 04:25:19 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Two candidates vying to become the next president of Hong Kong’s legislature are locked in a tight race as major political parties have given their members a free vote. The newly sworn-in members of the Legislative Council will on Thursday elect either Starry Lee Wai-king of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) or finance sector representative Ronick Chan Chun-ying through a secret ballot. Before voting begins, both candidates will present their election... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3339081/tight-race-hong-kongs-legco-presidency-parties-allow-free-vote?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3339081/tight-race-hong-kongs-legco-presidency-parties-allow-free-vote?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:10:53 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Brian Wong Matthew Cheng,Brian Wong Tai Po district councillors have urged the government to expedite rebuilding plans and offer Wang Fuk Court residents a range of rehousing options after Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades, as officials pledged to weigh the pros and cons of each proposal. At the first meeting of Tai Po District Council since the fire on November 26, all 22 members attended, including Peggy Wong Pik-kiu, who has come under heavy scrutiny for advising the owners’ corporation of the housing estate on its HK$330... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338898/hong-kong-councillors-urge-swift-rebuilding-and-rehousing-options-after-tai-po-fire?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3338898/hong-kong-councillors-urge-swift-rebuilding-and-rehousing-options-after-tai-po-fire?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jan 2026 07:30:20 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu swore in the new Legislative Council on January 1 without issue, even though a few lawmakers had to redo their oaths. And the first order of business for them is to elect the council president in a vote expected on January 8. Whether Lee’s message to Legco members – calling on them to be “representatives of the public”, and to prioritise the interests of the nation and Hong Kong over personal political gain and glory – is heard and how they interpret... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3338553/starry-lee-or-ronick-chan-lawmakers-choice-will-reveal-their-priorities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3338553/starry-lee-or-ronick-chan-lawmakers-choice-will-reveal-their-priorities?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:30:10 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong’s adoption of preferential packages to fast-track an industrial park that falls under the Northern Metropolis megadevelopment has been given an initial thumbs up. Local developers hailed the new approach as a “one-stop service” to help them cut through red tape and resolve problems, while some market observers believed it could also attract mainland Chinese enterprises to partner with Hong Kong firms to invest in the Hung Shui Kiu park. The government announced on Monday that it was... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338074/new-approach-fast-track-hong-kong-industrial-park-gets-thumbs-firms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338074/new-approach-fast-track-hong-kong-industrial-park-gets-thumbs-firms?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:36 +0000 Danny Mok,Vivian Au Danny Mok,Vivian Au Hong Kong’s anti-corruption watchdog has arrested the current and former chairmen of the Wang Fuk Court owners’ corporation as part of an investigation into renovation works linked to the city’s deadliest fire in decades, the Post has learned. The owners’ corporation has come under heavy scrutiny after the contractors it chose were found to have covered the estate buildings with substandard protective nets and foam boards, which are believed to be the cause of the unusually fast spread of last... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3336821/hong-kong-fire-chairman-former-head-wang-fuk-court-owners-group-arrested?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3336821/hong-kong-fire-chairman-former-head-wang-fuk-court-owners-group-arrested?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:23:30 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu The dust has settled and Hong Kong’s eighth Legislative Council is getting ready, with new lawmakers finding their way. There were quite a few surprises, looking at the results. With many new candidates and political groups vying for seats, the contest for the directly elected geographical constituencies was highly competitive. Some candidates were fielded by groups with strongholds in the trade-based functional constituencies, which are indirectly elected. That is something we should welcome.... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3336253/hong-kongs-political-parties-are-embracing-change-better?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3336253/hong-kongs-political-parties-are-embracing-change-better?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Dec 2025 01:30:17 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s Democratic Party, once the city’s largest opposition force, will dissolve following 31 years in operation after most members present at a meeting voted in favour of disbanding, marking the end of an era. Chairman Lo Kin-hei urged Hongkongers to live with “kindness, honesty, integrity” and expressed faith in the city’s democracy movement. “If Hong Kong people believe that democracy is the way to go, I believe that they will keep on striving for democracy,” Lo said after Sunday’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3336388/end-era-hong-kongs-democratic-party-dissolves-after-31-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3336388/end-era-hong-kongs-democratic-party-dissolves-after-31-years?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Dec 2025 09:23:45 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Jeffie Lam Elizabeth Cheung,Jeffie Lam Former Hong Kong commerce minister Gregory So Kam-leung has died at the age of 67. It was understood that So, a lawyer by profession who served as the city’s secretary for commerce and economic development between 2011 and 2017, had suffered a stroke two months ago and was in hospital in Singapore before he died on Saturday morning. He oversaw a number of thorny issues during his tenure, including broadcast regulation, intellectual property protection and a controversial bid for a free-to-air... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3336311/hong-kongs-former-commerce-minister-gregory-so-kam-leung-dead-67?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3336311/hong-kongs-former-commerce-minister-gregory-so-kam-leung-dead-67?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Dec 2025 04:34:39 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s largest political party has proposed five relief options for those displaced by the Tai Po fire, such as a government buy-back of ruined homes and community redevelopment, after gathering views from more than 1,000 Wang Fuk Court residents. The party’s 20 elected lawmakers and two of its district councillors on Wednesday met the city’s deputy financial secretary to submit the proposals, which the party chief said authorities would consider. “For all the proposed reparation and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3335943/hong-kongs-dab-proposes-5-relief-measures-residents-displaced-fire?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3335943/hong-kongs-dab-proposes-5-relief-measures-residents-displaced-fire?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:11:11 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen The issue of property rights and gaining consensus from more than 2,000 households of Hong Kong’s blaze-ravaged Wang Fuk Court will complicate rebuilding efforts, lawmakers and building experts have warned as new sites for redevelopment are proposed. Legislative Council members said on Tuesday that authorities should listen widely to the views of Wang Fuk Court homeowners before deciding whether to reconstruct the blocks on site or develop a new community at nearby plots to house affected... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3335803/hong-kongs-wang-fuk-court-rebuilding-faces-consensus-rights-hurdles-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3335803/hong-kongs-wang-fuk-court-rebuilding-faces-consensus-rights-hurdles-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:37:49 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Newly elected and outgoing Hong Kong lawmakers have met the media jointly for the first time, pledging to work closely with the government in the aftermath of the deadly Tai Po fire, with the Legislative Council president urging them to communicate and serve the city. “Lawmakers should leverage their professional expertise, networks and resources to work wholeheartedly with the government on the myriad tasks of post-disaster relief efforts and reconstruction,” outgoing Legco president Andrew... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335714/elected-outgoing-hong-kong-lawmakers-jointly-meet-media-show-solidarity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335714/elected-outgoing-hong-kong-lawmakers-jointly-meet-media-show-solidarity?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Dec 2025 06:20:01 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Having all seats contested in Sunday’s Legislative Council election and the resulting strong performance by independent candidates signal emerging political diversity within Hong Kong’s reformed electoral system, political analysts have said. However, a record number of invalid ballots cast suggested continued resistance to the “patriots-only” framework, they noted, urging the government to also take heed and ensure this would not be used to pile pressure on it in future. Observers also pointed... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335661/high-quality-democracy-what-does-beijings-new-phrase-hong-kong-really-mean?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335661/high-quality-democracy-what-does-beijings-new-phrase-hong-kong-really-mean?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:30:21 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The formation of the new Legislative Council marks another step towards recovery and reform following the Tai Po fire tragedy. Seen as a milestone for “high-quality democracy”, the second Legco ballot under Beijing’s electoral revamp has further consolidated Hong Kong’s all-patriots governance. The lawmakers must work with the chief executive and prove they can rise to the challenges ahead. Voter turnout percentages – for the geographical polls (31.9 per cent), functional constituencies (40.09... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3335632/new-legco-tasked-pushing-better-governance-city-deepening-reform?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3335632/new-legco-tasked-pushing-better-governance-city-deepening-reform?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:15:16 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s largest political party won far fewer votes in Sunday’s battle for directly contested seats in the legislature compared with four years ago as its candidates grappled with tough races and public anger over the deadly fire in Tai Po. While the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) retained all 10 of its geographical constituency seats, the party secured only 432,473 votes from residents, accounting for 34 per cent of the total, down by almost 250,000,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335650/hong-kongs-dab-party-loses-popular-support-retains-crown-legcos-biggest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335650/hong-kongs-dab-party-loses-popular-support-retains-crown-legcos-biggest?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:43:00 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung New and younger faces who will fill nearly half of the 90 seats following Hong Kong’s second “patriots-only” Legislative Council election now face the immediate task of tackling the aftermath of the deadly Tai Po inferno, including the policy gaps it exposed and implementing systemic reforms. Sunday’s poll yielded a 31.9 per cent turnout rate that marked an increase from the record low figure of 30.2 per cent in the 2021 election, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu declaring the outcome to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335616/new-faces-win-nearly-half-90-legco-seats-hong-kong-turns-post-fire-reforms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335616/new-faces-win-nearly-half-90-legco-seats-hong-kong-turns-post-fire-reforms?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:50:57 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin The numbers were tallied overnight and 90 newly minted lawmakers will begin their term in January after winning in Sunday’s Legislative Council election. The citywide poll which drew a turnout rate of 31.9 per cent – slightly higher than four years ago, at 30.2 per cent – delivered a few surprises as several new faces defeated incumbent lawmakers from leading parties. The Post highlights the key takeaways from the poll, the second held since Beijing’s “patriots-only” electoral system overhaul in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335579/hong-kong-legco-election-eight-things-know-youngest-toughest-lawmaker?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335579/hong-kong-legco-election-eight-things-know-youngest-toughest-lawmaker?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:59:15 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Nearly 44 per cent of the Hong Kong Legislative Council’s seats have been reshuffled after four incumbent lawmakers lost their re-election bids and 35 others declined to run. Those four who failed to secure another term in Sunday’s poll were Kwok Wai-keung and Michael Luk Chung-hung of the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU), along with Frankie Ngan Man-yu and Edmund Wong Chun-sek of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB). Following Sunday’s election, 39, or 43.8... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335573/4-incumbents-lose-re-election-hong-kongs-legco-sees-438-turnover?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335573/4-incumbents-lose-re-election-hong-kongs-legco-sees-438-turnover?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:12:06 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Some 31.9 per cent of voters cast their ballots on Sunday in Hong Kong’s second Legislative Council election under a “patriots-only” system, beating the record low turnout of 2021 in a sombre poll held just 12 days after the tragic fire in Tai Po. Almost as soon as polls opened, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he would enlist the newly elected legislature to mobilise support for victims of the fire and implement robust systemic reform, beginning with a motion to be raised by the government... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335532/voter-turnout-hong-kong-legco-poll-surpasses-record-low-2021?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335532/voter-turnout-hong-kong-legco-poll-surpasses-record-low-2021?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:19:02 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Three incumbent lawmakers seeking another term by running in Hong Kong Island West made desperate appeals just hours into Sunday’s Legislative Council election, with the race for directly elected seats heating up compared with four years ago. Hong Kong Island West is the only geographical constituency among the 10 where three serving legislators – Judy Chan Kapui, Chan Hok-fung and Kwok Wai-keung – are competing with two newcomers for two seats, essentially meaning at least one of them will be... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335530/3-serving-lawmakers-make-urgent-appeals-hong-kong-island-west?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335530/3-serving-lawmakers-make-urgent-appeals-hong-kong-island-west?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:44:28 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng The constituency encompassing the housing complex destroyed in one of Hong Kong’s deadliest fires recorded the lowest turnout rate across the city in the Legislative Council election according to an estimate just hours before polls closed, but those who showed up vowed to vote for a representative who would truly help the displaced residents. Several voters also directed their anger at the city’s largest party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), after one... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335529/constituency-home-deadly-blaze-records-lowest-turnout-rate-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335529/constituency-home-deadly-blaze-records-lowest-turnout-rate-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:16:11 +0000 Willa Wu,William Zheng Willa Wu,William Zheng Hong Kong authorities have made a last-ditch appeal for residents to refocus on the city’s reform and their future by voting in Sunday’s Legislative Council election, as political analysts said public sentiment after the deadly fire in Tai Po would play a decisive role in voter turnout rates. The appeal came as Beijing’s national security office in Hong Kong met with foreign media representatives on Saturday. In a statement, the office said some reports had attacked the election and smeared the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335473/last-ditch-effort-get-hongkongers-vote-legco-poll-turnout-uncertain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335473/last-ditch-effort-get-hongkongers-vote-legco-poll-turnout-uncertain?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Dec 2025 14:17:31 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Candidates started campaigning again this week for Hong Kong’s coming Legislative Council election, but opted for a more subdued approach, including fewer street booths and volunteers, in the aftermath of last week’s deadly fire in Tai Po. Some Legco hopefuls also unveiled new policy platforms in the run-up to Sunday’s poll, such as calling for a thorough investigation into the fire and enhanced building safety oversight. As of Friday, two major political parties also said they were facing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335413/legco-election-hopefuls-scale-back-campaigning-hong-kong-fire-aftermath?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3335413/legco-election-hopefuls-scale-back-campaigning-hong-kong-fire-aftermath?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:12:00 +0000 Ambrose Li,Jess Ma Ambrose Li,Jess Ma Beijing’s national security arm in Hong Kong on Wednesday condemned “external hostile forces” for exploiting the deadly Tai Po fire that killed at least 159 people, as police arrested a man after he allegedly made derogatory online comments about the victims. In a strongly worded post, a spokesman for the Office for Safeguarding National Security condemned “a small clique of external hostile forces” for “stirring up trouble and taking advantage of the chaos” in the aftermath of the fire. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3335107/beijing-slams-external-hostile-forces-exploiting-deadly-fire-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3335107/beijing-slams-external-hostile-forces-exploiting-deadly-fire-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:40:13 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu A district councillor facing public scrutiny amid Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades has said she will personally file reports with both police and the corruption watchdog to request an investigation. Peggy Wong Pik-kiu, a directly elected district councillor from the Tai Po South constituency, announced her decision via social media on Monday, saying the Wang Fuk Court blaze was a man-made tragedy, not a natural disaster, resulting from years of safety neglect. “The victims, both deceased... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334765/hong-kong-politician-peggy-wong-files-police-report-amid-tai-po-fire-scrutiny?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334765/hong-kong-politician-peggy-wong-files-police-report-amid-tai-po-fire-scrutiny?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:11:14 +0000 SCMP Reporters SCMP Reporters At least 36 people including a firefighter were killed and 279 are still missing after a ferocious blaze ravaged a housing estate in Tai Po yesterday, as scorching flames engulfed bamboo scaffolding and ripped through seven residential blocks. Some 29 people were hospitalised, with seven in a critical condition, a grim-looking Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu reported in an early morning conference at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin while distraught families, fearing the worst, awaited news... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334279/least-13-dead-huge-fire-rips-through-hong-kong-housing-estate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334279/least-13-dead-huge-fire-rips-through-hong-kong-housing-estate?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:37:50 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li The Hong Kong government is considering for the first time using its powers under the national security law to ban two organisations deemed subversive. The Security Bureau said on Monday the secretary for security was weighing the move against the Canada-based “Hong Kong Parliament” and Taiwan-based “Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union”. “The two organisations in question aim to subvert state power,” a bureau spokesman said. “Their objectives include promoting ‘self-determination’ and making... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333985/hong-kong-may-ban-2-subversive-groups-based-canada-and-taiwan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333985/hong-kong-may-ban-2-subversive-groups-based-canada-and-taiwan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:51:22 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Integration with mainland China and boosting Hong Kong’s sluggish economy have dominated the manifestos of candidates contesting functional and Election Committee constituencies in the Legislative Council election, while those running for directly elected seats have prioritised livelihood concerns, the Post has found. A check by the Post of all 161 candidates’ manifestos on the government’s election website also found that only 38 of them, or 23 per cent, provided English versions. Of the 161... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333002/what-are-hong-kong-legco-election-candidates-prioritising-their-manifestos?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333002/what-are-hong-kong-legco-election-candidates-prioritising-their-manifestos?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:30:16 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Harvey Kong Matthew Cheng,Harvey Kong A Hong Kong minister has defended the decision to proceed with a government-run Legislative Council election forum on Saturday afternoon after a candidate collapsed on stage while introducing herself. Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, speaking after the conclusion of the debate with candidates for the Hong Kong Island East constituency, said that the 10 forums held so far had achieved their expected goal of raising awareness about the various potential... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332920/hong-kong-island-election-hopefuls-vow-fight-ethnic-minority-groups?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332920/hong-kong-island-election-hopefuls-vow-fight-ethnic-minority-groups?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Nov 2025 08:23:17 +0000 Willa Wu,Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen Willa Wu,Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen Hong Kong is ramping up momentum for the coming Legislative Council election, with the government set to host a gala show ahead of polling day and a major developer pledging to promote voting across its residential estates and shopping centres. The government-run election forums also entered their third day for the Kowloon East and Kowloon West constituencies on Thursday, with a senior official arguing there should not be a “single approach” to enhancing voter engagement and awareness of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332597/tensions-flare-over-kowloon-transport-issues-hong-kong-legco-election-forum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332597/tensions-flare-over-kowloon-transport-issues-hong-kong-legco-election-forum?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:16:28 +0000 Willa Wu,Matthew Cheng Willa Wu,Matthew Cheng Candidates in Hong Kong’s coming Legislative Council poll sparred over livelihood issues on the second day of government-led election forums, upping the ante after a sedate first day as a newcomer also challenged an incumbent to account for his record. In a shift of tempo, the host at the two forums on Wednesday, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon for constituencies in the northern New Territories, also reminded candidates that they could express different opinions during the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3332438/northern-metropolis-employment-take-centre-stage-third-hong-kong-legco-poll-forum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3332438/northern-metropolis-employment-take-centre-stage-third-hong-kong-legco-poll-forum?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:56:45 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong is gearing up for a Legislative Council election on December 7, as 161 candidates are confirmed to be joining the race after nominations closed last week. With 5 per cent more hopefuls than the previous poll in 2021, this year’s election leaves no seats uncontested. There will also be fiercer competition in the geographical constituencies, as major political parties have fielded more candidates to run for the 20 seats directly elected by residents. Functional constituencies, comprising... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332398/vivian-kongs-bid-forums-lawmaker-pullout-what-know-about-hong-kong-legco-election?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3332398/vivian-kongs-bid-forums-lawmaker-pullout-what-know-about-hong-kong-legco-election?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Nov 2025 02:00:17 +0000