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The Executive Council, or Exco, is a body of advisers that helps the chief executive in policymaking.
Stronger safety net on wages for city’s worst paid and most vulnerable is to be welcomed despite inflation and cost fears.
Just like with Sars, an objective, comprehensive and honest assessment of how Hong Kong dealt with the disease is required if we are to avoid another such ordeal.
Hong Kong leader John Lee may have had a decent first six months, but much remains to be done in terms of housing, employment, welfare protection and other livelihood issues.
By opting for a 2.5 per cent increase across the board, the government has tried to keep staff, the private sector and taxpayers happy.
- Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun says Social Workers Registration Board in urgent need of reform, with body already given chances to improve in recent years
- Authorities aim to implement proposals to raise number of members on board from 15 to 27 to increase proportion of government appointees
Those convicted of serious offences including endangering national security, ill-treating a child, rape or murder, can be permanently removed by social work regulator.
Executive Council HK$2 fare increase decision ‘unfair to us’ Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association chairman Chau Kwok-keung says.
Betty Yuen of the city’s General Chamber of Commerce says the sector can explore new markets in Asean and the Middle East.
Executive Council also accepted a proposal to review the minimum wage annually, rather than once every two years.
A source says the government has shifted to a ‘softer, reactive’ approach but is not planning any large-scale publicity campaigns or high-level delegations to explain the new law overseas.
City leader acknowledges ‘new period of economic development’ for Hong Kong and that local businesses have been adapting to shifting demands.
City leader John Lee encourages efforts to bring in family offices, after UAE prince entered media spotlight over delayed launch plan.
City leader says government has ‘clear’ position on the scheme amid calls for withdrawal from politicians, including heavyweight Lo Man-tuen.
‘This is exactly what I want to tell the public: do not try to do any behaviour or activities that endanger national security … do not try to test the law,’ John Lee says.
Experts say government must ‘redouble’ efforts to tackle worries raised by overseas community over domestic national security law to preserve city’s position as international hub.
No hint of dissent in Legislative Council as all 88 members take turns over 10 hours to speak of their ‘historic mission’ to plug legal loopholes.
Insiders reveal calculated strategy to catch foreign powers off guard and curb impact of potential sanctions or smear campaigns ahead of passing of Article 23 bill.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang says handing chief executive powers to make subsidiary legislation is long-standing practice in common law systems.
One of the most notable clauses empowers chief executive in council to make subsidiary legislation ‘for the needs of’ safeguarding national security.
Ronny Tong, member of the Executive Council, says simply holding on to a copy of the tabloid newspaper does not breach the domestic security bill.
While acknowledging need to enact new legislation as a constitutional obligation, some experts also raised concerns about potential abuse of power.
Bill also grants new powers to police that will affect rights of people arrested under proposed domestic security legislation.
Lawmakers echo concerns of business chambers and professional bodies that criteria for external forces are ‘broad’ and ‘vague’.
Among changes in draft bill, those convicted of endangering national security, or those on trial for such offences, will not be eligible for early release.
Chief Executive John Lee says he has written to the Legislative Council president, telling him enactment of law is a constitutional responsibility of the entire city.
The Post sets out what the consultation document says will be done and lists out key concerns raised by different players, ahead of the launch of the official bill.
Chief Executive John Lee also says his administration will report full results of one-month consultation exercise to legislature in due course.
Chief Executive John Lee says authorities will continue to follow up on the incident even after organiser Tatler Asia withdrew an application for HK$16 million in funds.
Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat says events that leave fans disappointed risk reputational damage as well as public cash.
Executive Council member Ronny Tong urges clearer definition of ‘state secrets’ outlined in consultation on new domestic security law.
Nine chapters released in consultation paper for residents to offer their views, with activities such as treason, insurrection and theft of state secrets targeted.
Chief Executive John Lee, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and security minister Chris Tang to hold a press conference on Tuesday.
The introduction of a capital gains tax was just a suggestion brought up during the budget consultation period, Paul Chan has told the Post.
