https://www.scmp.com/rss/6216/feed Jimmy Cheung joined the Post in 1988. He is currently Senior Editorial Writer. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Two decades into reunification with China, Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” is an everyday reality rather than a political experiment. However, whether the historic venture has proved a success is still open to debate, and the conclusion seems to have shifted from a once resounding yes to an increasingly ambivalent verdict. The policy has undoubtedly served the city well, as reflected by various international assessments of the post-handover situation over the years but, as we move along,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2097872/balancing-one-country-two-systems-look-back-20-years-often?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2097872/balancing-one-country-two-systems-look-back-20-years-often?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jun 2017 00:00:29 +0000 Parents complain much about Hong Kong's education system. But few go to the extremes of stopping their children from attending school. The story of a 43-year-old man seeking schooling exemption for his 11-year-old son, Nathan Lee For-shing, has therefore raised eyebrows. While his frustration is probably shared by many parents, it is not a justification to snub the system. The father had approached at least 10 primary schools since his son arrived from the mainland in May. Having failed to... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1853691/childrens-interests-must-be-paramount-schooling-debate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1853691/childrens-interests-must-be-paramount-schooling-debate?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Aug 2015 19:29:00 +0000 Is Hong Kong suffering a brain drain? The question is being asked as more citizens are said to have left for good, while fewer foreigners come to live in the city. The latest census figures seem to suggest the ebbs and flows go beyond usual fluctuations. Between mid-2012 and the middle of this year, 4,000 more people left than settled here; a similar situation pertained a year earlier. The number of emigrants rose 8 per cent year on year to 3,900 in the first six months of this year. The figure... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1305221/government-must-act-now-prevent-brain-drain-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1305221/government-must-act-now-prevent-brain-drain-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Sep 2013 16:00:00 +0000 The importance of animal rights and welfare is often seen as a yardstick of how civilised a society is. Despite an increase in public awareness over the years, Hong Kong still lags behind many advanced countries on this front. Those who treat animals as equal to humans are still in the minority. Animal welfare groups were understandably outraged after a man who abused an 18-month-old stray cat to death in a Tsuen Wan park was only sentenced to three months jail early this month. In response, the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1296051/hong-kong-needs-stiffer-sentences-animal-cruelty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1296051/hong-kong-needs-stiffer-sentences-animal-cruelty?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Aug 2013 16:00:00 +0000 In an ideal world, the question of when to retire should be a personal choice. Arguably, there is no justification to retire at a certain age. Alternatively, employees can opt for an early exit at any time, as long as money is not an issue. But in reality governments around the world like to decide on behalf of the people, taking into account issues like social norms, life expectancy, economic vitality as well as public spending. Changing social and fiscal conditions have prompted many... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1257373/retirement-policy-needs-careful-thought?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1257373/retirement-policy-needs-careful-thought?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Jun 2013 16:00:00 +0000 If the introduction of a minimum-wage law was a tough battle, the crusade for standard working hours may be more daunting. During the first meeting of an advisory committee appointed by the government, employer and worker representatives are said to have been at odds on almost everything. Their only agreed on the need to consult the public and to meet every other month. Although the labour side wants to see the law enacted as soon as possible, the employers argue that "improvements" in working... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1237840/high-time-law-standard-working-hours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1237840/high-time-law-standard-working-hours?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Last week, the city's health chief was forced to apologise to 12 mainlanders who had been wrongly prosecuted under a new law restricting the parallel trade in infant milk formula. What they carried out of the city was actually rice-based baby cereal, which officials confirm is not their target. The prosecution blunder has further fuelled cross-border tension and highlights the danger of rushing into practice rules and policies without careful consideration. The restriction on milk formula was... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1202192/hong-kong-needs-new-formula-milk-formula?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1202192/hong-kong-needs-new-formula-milk-formula?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 The pope is one of the world's most revered figures. Followed by more than 1.1 billion Catholics across continents, the spiritual leader is a man of immense stature and profound influence. The position, however, is also one of the most demanding. Being the moral compass in an increasingly secular world means his actions and words are closely scrutinised. As head of the oldest institution in a fast-changing world, the pontiff often comes under fire for failing to handle scandals and modernise... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1148966/next-pope-will-face-tough-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1148966/next-pope-will-face-tough-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Transparency is an essential component for good public governance. It enables people to keep a close watch on the government, give them a say on public affairs and it holds officials accountable in the event of wrongdoing. The principle, which applies to statutory bodies funded by taxpayers, has served Hong Kong well. Any move that goes against the spirit of openness should be questioned and rejected. The apparent U-turn taken by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority over its board... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1133330/culture-secrecy-has-no-place-arts-hub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1133330/culture-secrecy-has-no-place-arts-hub?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000 There have long been rumours that mainland officials in Hong Kong are involved in canvassing on behalf of pro-Beijing candidates in elections. This has never been substantiated with concrete evidence, but recent remarks by independent legislator Paul Tse Wai-chun have aroused concerns whether such interference is indeed taking place. The former tourism legislator raised eyebrows in political circles with his surprise victory in September for a directly elected seat in Kowloon East. Last week,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1123293/beijings-officials-should-not-canvass-candidates-local?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1123293/beijings-officials-should-not-canvass-candidates-local?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Two key political parties elected new leaders this month. The Democratic Party will be led by veteran Emily Lau Wai-hing, who narrowly defeated moderate Sin Chung-kai after her last-minute decision to come forward. The pro-business Liberal Party will be chaired by Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee following an uncontested race. There is little doubt that Lau and Chow are both seasoned enough to take over the stewardship. But that the city's two oldest parties continue to be led by faces from decades... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1113122/hong-kongs-political-parties-need-engage-people?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1113122/hong-kongs-political-parties-need-engage-people?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Unlike other places, where asylum seekers still pose great challenges to society, Hong Kong, thankfully, moved on decades ago from being a haven for Vietnamese fleeing political turmoil. Today, refugees and torture claimants do not make headlines as often as they once did. But that does not mean they no longer warrant our care and attention. The truth is that many can barely survive while waiting hopelessly for resettlement. As a responsible global citizen, we should not turn a blind eye to... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1099392/hong-kong-should-not-turn-its-back-asylum-seekers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1099392/hong-kong-should-not-turn-its-back-asylum-seekers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong prides itself on having an efficient and affordable public transport system. Unfortunately, our good reputation has been overshadowed by frequent accidents. The Lamma ferry tragedy in October and two major bus crashes over the past two weeks are sad reminders of our not-so-glowing safety record. So was a report in this newspaper about ferry crews involved in maritime collisions getting off lightly. Together, they should prompt the government to take tougher action. Between 2008 and... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1097619/hong-kong-should-get-tougher-safety-rules-public?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1097619/hong-kong-should-get-tougher-safety-rules-public?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Paternity leave for working fathers appears to be a step closer to reality after employer and labour representatives on a government panel agreed to make it part of the law. The breakthrough is encouraging news. It creates a more family-friendly work environment and brings Hong Kong in line with countries that introduced such benefits long ago. However, if paternity leave is designed to encourage men to take better care of their wives and newborn children, a three-day break does not go far... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1094192/lawmakers-need-press-ahead-paternity-leave?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1094192/lawmakers-need-press-ahead-paternity-leave?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Christmas is in the air again. Colourful lights and decorations are being put up across the city. It is the season for hoping, loving and caring. It is also a time to give and share. Christmas provides one more reason to rejoice this year. Operation Santa Claus, the annual fund-raising campaign co-organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Over the years it has raised more than HK$170 million for more than 150 charitable projects. It is encouraging... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1090775/operation-santa-claus-brings-out-best-hong-kongs-generous?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1090775/operation-santa-claus-brings-out-best-hong-kongs-generous?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Once again, the government and lawmakers have joined hands to block a law against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. This is hardly a surprise given our society remains conservative. But it is disappointing that even a proposal to hold a public consultation on the matter is deemed too provocative, having been rejected after heated Legislative Council debate. The outcome does not live up to our claim to be a city of tolerance and equality. Those who insist the community is split on... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1084893/nothing-fear-outlawing-sexual-orientation-discrimination?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1084893/nothing-fear-outlawing-sexual-orientation-discrimination?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong has no shortage of bodies specialising in public policy research. They range from well-established university institutes to independent think tanks financed by private donations. Over the years, their role in governance and politics has become increasingly important. Some have generated high-quality studies and stimulated healthy debate on issues of public concern. Some proposals won government support and became public policy. The Bauhinia Foundation, which is funded by allies of... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1079463/think-tanks-should-play-bigger-role-policymaking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1079463/think-tanks-should-play-bigger-role-policymaking?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Like it or not, street sleepers are part of our city. The government put the official homeless population at 414 in May last year, though the real numbers are likely to be much higher. Many have been deprived of shelter because of a mixture of financial and family problems. Some, however, simply decline any help and choose an alternative way of living. As is the case elsewhere in the world, the local community does not make the homeless particularly welcome. But nor is their presence seen as a... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1079466/homeless-need-help-not-harsh-treatment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1079466/homeless-need-help-not-harsh-treatment?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Tensions arising from an influx of mainland mothers giving birth in the city have apparently eased for the time being. Referring to a noticeable drop in September in the number of births without bookings, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying hailed the measures he put in place as a success. The number of women gate-crashing emergency units without bookings has declined from the peak of some 170 a month late last year to 20 or so in September. The figures seem to suggest that administrative measures... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1077353/keep-zero-birth-quota-track?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1077353/keep-zero-birth-quota-track?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Supplying more land to meet housing needs is easier said than done in a small city like Hong Kong. Having pledged to provide adequate affordable housing for the people in his election campaign, Leung Chun-ying finds himself under pressure to deliver. The move to review the land use decided by his predecessor at the former Kai Tak airport is, therefore, understandable. That said, any changes are likely to upset the stakeholders. The suggestion of removing a world-class sports complex at Kai Tak... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1074890/government-must-justify-tearing-agreed-plans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1074890/government-must-justify-tearing-agreed-plans?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Having been heavily criticised for dragging its feet, the government has finally launched a review of the need to regulate high-risk medical procedures performed by beauty parlours. This came after "therapeutic treatment" killed a woman and made three others ill. This is not the first time legislation has been called for. Six years ago, six women had to have breasts removed after treatment with an enlargement gel banned by the US and the mainland. It is regrettable that a move to plug any... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1065865/beauty-industry-cant-self-regulate-new-laws-needed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1065865/beauty-industry-cant-self-regulate-new-laws-needed?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Tension arising from the national education fiasco has eased further after Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying made yet another concession. On Monday, he announced that guidelines on the controversial curriculum would be formally shelved. The decision has effectively rendered the programme an empty shell, although schools can still launch it on their own if they wish. That Leung has swiftly accepted the recommendations put forward by an advisory panel is a welcome step. It is good to see that the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1060401/debacle-hasnt-removed-need-national-education?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1060401/debacle-hasnt-removed-need-national-education?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000 How ministers perform their duties and conduct themselves in public office has an impact on confidence in government. While it is the chief executive's job to pick the best brains for the positions, he relies on a good mechanism to ensure officials possess good character and do not bring the government into disrepute. Regrettably, the recent controversies surrounding our ministers show integrity checking at the senior echelon still leaves much to be desired. It is more than an embarrassment when... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1043157/lax-checks-ministers-integrity-undermines-government?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1043157/lax-checks-ministers-integrity-undermines-government?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 There was a sense of apathy towards the Legislative Council polls until recently, when the election was fired up by the national education controversy. The awareness of the new "one person, two votes" arrangement has, thankfully, also increased. Political heavyweights on the brink of losing have been crying out for more support in the final days. Hopes are high that today's ballot will draw a large turnout. It remains unclear whether that will be the case. But there is every reason for voters to... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1032491/your-votes-today-can-make-difference-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1032491/your-votes-today-can-make-difference-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong likes to see itself as a role model for cultural diversity and racial tolerance. Although we are a predominantly Chinese society, sizeable expatriate and ethnic minority communities co-exist in harmony. Arguably, we provide equal opportunities for everyone. We are entitled to the same right to work, study and pursue our way of life regardless of our ethnic origin. However, aspirations and reality can be different. Prejudice and differences in beliefs and values mean closing the gap is... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1027697/hong-kong-still-far-being-racially-inclusive-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1027697/hong-kong-still-far-being-racially-inclusive-city?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Few cities have such an impressive list of accolades as Hong Kong. We are consistently rated as the freest economy, with a relatively clean and efficient government. Our city is also among the safest on the planet. Low crime rate aside, we are fortunate to escape unscathed most of the time even when hit by natural disasters such as typhoons. We also tend to live longer today. According to the latest UN Human Development Report, our life expectancy reaches 82.8 years on average, making us the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1022797/despite-our-problems-hongkongers-can-take-pride?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1022797/despite-our-problems-hongkongers-can-take-pride?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +0000 As a city, we lack natural resources. But Hong Kong's affluence means we seldom have shortages of anything. However, the abundant supply in water, food and energy has made us one of the most wasteful cities on the planet. From food waste in restaurants and supermarket chains to excessive energy use by shopping malls and outdoor billboards, evidence of wastage is everywhere. The latest example that puts us to shame is the water waste in our public swimming pools. It is common sense that swimming... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1018048/hk-should-do-more-conserve-water-energy-and-food?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1018048/hk-should-do-more-conserve-water-energy-and-food?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong's awakening to the need for heritage conservation means redevelopment projects are facing growing resistance. The proposal to turn an old bus terminal into a modern piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui is a case in point. After eight years of struggle, the government has finally given up the project, citing technical problems and public opposition. Given the deep sense of nostalgia people attached to the site, the decision is sensible. Packaged as a key tourism initiative, the proposed facelift,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1008766/no-urgent-need-redevelop-tsim-sha-tsuis-star-ferry-bus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1008766/no-urgent-need-redevelop-tsim-sha-tsuis-star-ferry-bus?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Ex-civil service boss critical on appointees The former civil service minister has weighed into the row over the government's new political appointees, saying it had got it 'totally wrong' in paying them different salaries. Joseph Wong Wing-ping also said deputy ministers should give up their foreign citizenship and that the uproar over the issues had jeopardised the development of the 'accountability system' under which ministers and their new aides serve. On Saturday, Chief Executive Donald... https://www.scmp.com/article/640010/chief-got-it-totally-wrong-aides?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/640010/chief-got-it-totally-wrong-aides?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:00:00 +0000 A new law would be needed to ensure the integrity of the civil service as the ministerial system expanded, former civil service chief Joseph Wong Wing-ping said. He said the government had not yet honoured its pledge to come up with guidelines for civil servants in light of the expansion. 'Why is it still not ready by now? Perhaps such a code is just too difficult to draft,' he said, referring to the future division of work between civil servants and political appointees. Confusion might... https://www.scmp.com/article/639983/integrity-law-urged-civil-service?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/639983/integrity-law-urged-civil-service?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Former DAB vice-chairman Greg So Kam-leung, who was recently made a deputy minister, is expected to give up his Canadian passport soon amid mounting controversy over his foreign nationality. A source in the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong said Mr So would make an announcement in the next few days. But it is understood the government will not require other appointees to give up their foreign passports. 'An undersecretary giving up one's foreign nationality doesn't... https://www.scmp.com/article/639494/vice-minister-likely-give-canadian-passport-amid-row?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/639494/vice-minister-likely-give-canadian-passport-amid-row?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 A Legislative Council motion calling for vindication of the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen Square protesters was defeated for the 10th time since the handover yesterday, after pan-democratic lawmakers linked it to the plight of victims in the Sichuan earthquake. Supporters of the non-binding motion tabled by the Democratic Party's Cheung Man-kwong urged people not to forget those who died in the democratic movement while mourning those killed in this month's disaster. 'Ahead of the June 4... https://www.scmp.com/article/639493/motion-tiananmen-vindications-defeated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/639493/motion-tiananmen-vindications-defeated?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 A Legislative Council motion calling for the commemoration and vindication of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protest was defeated yesterday for the 10th time since the handover, after pan-democratic lawmakers linked it to the plight of victims of the Sichuan earthquake. Supporters of the non-binding motion tabled by the Democratic Party's Cheung Man-kwong urged people not to forget those who died in the democratic movement while mourning those killed in this month's disaster. 'Ahead of the June 4... https://www.scmp.com/article/639495/motion-tiananmen-protest-defeated-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/639495/motion-tiananmen-protest-defeated-again?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Pressure is growing on deputy ministers to give up their foreign passports after claims that two more have foreign nationality. But the government insists there are no nationality restrictions under the Basic Law, except those on principal officials. The administration refused to confirm yesterday if Gabriel Leung, deputy minister for food and health, and Kenneth Chen Wei-on, undersecretary for education, had foreign passports. The allegation in a Chinese- language newspaper came after it was... https://www.scmp.com/article/639289/deputy-ministers-face-mounting-pressure-over-foreign-passports?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/639289/deputy-ministers-face-mounting-pressure-over-foreign-passports?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Public satisfaction with the Tsang administration hit a new high this month, though a pollster says this might have more to do with concerns about the Sichuan earthquake than the government's performance. The number of people who said they were satisfied with the administration climbed to 48.3 per cent, according to a Chinese University survey. That was a 13.2 percentage point rise from April, the biggest jump since Donald Tsang Yam-kuen took office in 2005. However, pollster Timothy Wong... https://www.scmp.com/article/639237/quake-focus-helps-lift-tsangs-ratings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/639237/quake-focus-helps-lift-tsangs-ratings?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 A comprehensive study is under way to ascertain if the ministerial system and other post-handover civil service reforms have made government jobs less attractive. But the study, the first of its kind launched by the government, would not necessarily lead to pay rises or more promotion opportunities for staff, Public Service Commission chairman Nicholas Ng Wing-fui said. The watchdog on appointments and disciplinary matters is working with the Civil Service Bureau to discover whether eight major... https://www.scmp.com/article/639093/study-will-see-if-reformed-civil-service-attracts-best-brightest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/639093/study-will-see-if-reformed-civil-service-attracts-best-brightest?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 The largest civil service union has demanded a 6.3 per cent pay rise across the board instead of pay trend indicators being used to determine increases for staff in different bands. Other staff unions have urged the government to award workers in the lower band the same rise as those in the middle band - 5.29 per cent rather than 3.9 per cent. The four staff consultative councils were required to submit their pay claims by yesterday. The Executive Council may propose pay rise figures for all... https://www.scmp.com/article/638786/union-seeks-63pc-pay-rise-all-civil-servants?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/638786/union-seeks-63pc-pay-rise-all-civil-servants?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Pay rises for different sectors last year ranged from about 1 per cent to about 10 per cent, the government pay survey shows. The Pay Trend Survey Committee, which decides on civil service pay adjustments, met yesterday to endorse the validity of the pay trend indicators, which were 4.47 per cent for the lower band, 5.87 per cent for the middle band and 6.9 per cent for the upper band. After discounting the civil service seniority pay increment, lower band civil servants would get a 3.9 per cent... https://www.scmp.com/article/638520/civil-service-pay-panel-offer-fails-impress?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/638520/civil-service-pay-panel-offer-fails-impress?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Salaries for judges will be delinked from those of the civil service in a step to enhance judicial independence, the government said yesterday. The Executive Council decided to establish a separate remuneration system for judicial officers in time for a pay adjustment in 2009-10. In the meantime, judges will receive a catch-up increase if they are left behind by a civil service pay rise this year, which could range from 3.9 per cent to 6.3 per cent. This will be judges' first pay rise since... https://www.scmp.com/article/638367/judges-pay-delinked-civil-service-scale?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/638367/judges-pay-delinked-civil-service-scale?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Rules preventing double housing benefits in the civil service need not be reviewed, as most of 62 cases of violations over the past three years were only 'technical' breaches, according to a top official. But unionist legislator Lee Cheuk-yan argued that the rules could be discriminatory to married women. Under the rules, a married couple who are both civil servants cannot get housing benefits at the same time. This applies even if one of them is not a civil servant. The Legislative Council's... https://www.scmp.com/article/638282/benefits-rules-work?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/638282/benefits-rules-work?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 The Democratic Party could risk losing its only seat in Kowloon West if there were two party tickets in September, vice-chairman Sin Chung-kai warned. Amid growing speculation of a political 'comeback' following his withdrawal from the Hong Kong Island contest, Mr Sin has given the clearest indication yet that he has no intention of returning to Kowloon West. 'It was not totally risk-free if I ran in Kowloon West,' he said. While internal party surveys showed there would be enough support to... https://www.scmp.com/article/638158/party-risk-losing-only-legco-seat-kowloon-west-vice-chairman-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/638158/party-risk-losing-only-legco-seat-kowloon-west-vice-chairman-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 The telecoms watchdog launched an investigation into unlicensed broadcaster Citizens' Radio after it went on air again yesterday. The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (Ofta) said yesterday it had initiated the investigation after detecting an unlicensed radio transmission between 2.30pm and 4pm on 102.8 MHz, the channel used by Citizens' Radio. The broadcast relayed a gay rights event in Causeway Bay on the International Day Against Homophobia. Gay activist Cheung Kam-hung, the event's... https://www.scmp.com/article/638143/citizens-radio-faces-new-probe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/638143/citizens-radio-faces-new-probe?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Only six Legislative Council seats could be retained by the Democratic Party in a worst-case scenario for September's election, vice-chairman Sin Chung-kai said. In an interview with the South China Morning Post, the outgoing lawmaker said the party had been slow in keeping up with the changing times since the handover. 'There were mainly anti-communist sentiments after the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. But now the central government's popularity is very high. The situation before and after the... https://www.scmp.com/article/638159/democrats-could-be-reduced-six-seats-says-deputy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/638159/democrats-could-be-reduced-six-seats-says-deputy?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Government, schools and Legco pay tribute The State Council's decision to declare a three-day mourning period from today will see the Hong Kong government and different sectors follow the national lead in mourning victims of the earthquake. Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen has pledged the government will take part in the mourning, and a spokesman for the administration said all government agencies and schools would fly flags at half mast for the three days. The Legislative Council would... https://www.scmp.com/article/638163/mourning-period-observed-across-hk?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/638163/mourning-period-observed-across-hk?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Singapore and Japan could provide useful lessons about waste reduction and incineration, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen said. Mr Tsang returned yesterday from a three-day visit to Singapore, where he learned about its latest efforts in environmental protection, health care and tourism. In a blog entry titled 'Rubbish - Risks and Opportunities', Mr Tsang wrote he was surprised to learn that 60 per cent of the waste in Singapore was incinerated, while Japan burned 67 per cent. 'What... https://www.scmp.com/article/638155/burning-question-posed-waste?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/638155/burning-question-posed-waste?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Pay-trend indicators based on salaries at 97 companies Hong Kong's 160,000 civil servants are in line for pay rises ranging from 3.9 per cent to 6.3 per cent, according to a government pay-trend survey released yesterday. The survey showed the top salary band, with a monthly income of HK$45,971 to HK$91,765, had increased by 6.9 per cent over the past year. But pay rises for workers earning less than HK$14,990, averaged just 4.47 per cent. Those in the middle, from HK$14,990 to HK$45,970, were... https://www.scmp.com/article/637594/civil-servants-tipped-wage-rises-63pc?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/637594/civil-servants-tipped-wage-rises-63pc?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Another Beijing-friendly professional is poised to become a deputy minister under the chief executive's plan to add two tiers to the political system. Benjamin Lau Shun-tung, chairman of the Public Hospitals, Department of Health and the Universities Doctors Association, said yesterday that he been approached to work in the labour and welfare bureau. The association has been an affiliate of the Federation of Trade Unions, whose president Cheng Yiu-tong is a member of the Executive Council. Dr... https://www.scmp.com/article/637521/beijing-friendly-doctor-be-appointed-deputy-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/637521/beijing-friendly-doctor-be-appointed-deputy-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 A second-tier hopeful from the Democratic Party for September's Legislative Council election has challenged Kam Nai-wai's ability to win a seat, on the eve of the party's meeting today on its electoral lineup. The Island branch will cast a vote of confidence over Eastern district councillor Lai Chi-keong's bid to lead his own ticket against Mr Kam in the Hong Kong Island constituency. Mr Lai said yesterday he would rather face the vote than pull out, as party vice-chairman Sin Chung-kai did... https://www.scmp.com/article/637309/democrat-states-his-case-legco-poll-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/637309/democrat-states-his-case-legco-poll-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 Proposed legislation against unfair competition could prevent inflation fuelled by price-fixing among unscrupulous traders, the Consumer Council said yesterday. Speaking at RTHK's City Forum, the consumer watchdog's chief research and trade practices officer, Victor Hung Tin-yau, said a competition law was especially needed in times of rising inflation. 'We have seen traders taking advantage of ongoing inflation and collude to increase prices,' he said. Mr Hung said price-fixing by limiting... https://www.scmp.com/article/637313/competition-law-vital-fight-inflation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/637313/competition-law-vital-fight-inflation?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000 The Health Department has launched an inquiry into two alleged cases of loss of personal data at children's clinics. The investigation follows a complaint letter in which the department was accused of trying to cover up the blunders, with one case allegedly occurring two years ago. The letter was sent to the Civil Service Bureau, which handed it to the department yesterday for follow-up action. It is understood that the anonymous letter claimed two USB flash drives, containing personal data... https://www.scmp.com/article/637026/loss-child-patients-data-sparks-inquiry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/637026/loss-child-patients-data-sparks-inquiry?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000