Support interpretation of Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong by Standing Committee of National People's Congress
I welcome and support the interpretation of Article 14 and Article 47 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Hong Kong National Security Law) made by the Standing Committee of the Thirteenth National People’s Congress (NPCSC) on December 30. The NPCSC’s interpretation of the provisions of the Hong Kong National Security Law made pursuant to the power conferred by the Constitution and the Hong Kong National Security Law has clarified the principle and meaning of the relevant provisions of the Hong Kong National Security Law, ensuring the accurate implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. The clear explanation and illustration made by the NPCSC has helped alleviate unnecessary concerns and is conducive to the business and investment environment.
Urged the Government to withdraw the spicy measures at the property market step by step
On 14 Dec, together with some other LegCo members, I urged the Government to withdraw the spicy measures at the property market step by step. The property market has changed from “overheated” to “overcooled” due to the deteriorating economic environment. The “spicy measures” have lost their basis for existence and directly affected economic recovery. I emphasized that the rise and fall of property prices are mainly determined by the relationship between market supply and demand and the economic environment. The Government should restore the property market to normal by uplifting the preferential measures.
Welcome the announcement of Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint
The Government promulgated the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint on 22 Dec to establish a clear development path and formulate systematic strategic planning for Hong Kong's innovation and technology development over the next five to ten years. The Blueprint sets out eight major strategies under the four broad development directions. I welcome the Blueprint, which is a systematic and comprehensive document for Hong Kong’s I&T development.
Government releases Youth Development Blueprint
On 20 Dec, the Government released the Youth Development Blueprint, outlining the overall vision and guiding principles for the Government’s long-term youth development work in the future. More than 160 concrete actions and measures supporting youth development are put forward. I hope this blueprint will provide young people with an enabling environment to cherish hope for the future and strive for continuous growth. Funding projects approved by the FC and the PWSC On 2 Dec, the FC approved two funding projects of $1 billion and $2.69 billion for site formation and infrastructure works for public housing development at Kennedy Town and Yuen Long respectively. On 16 Dec, the FC approved $1 billion for the implementation of a subsidy scheme to support non-governmental organisations to take forward youth hostel projects in hotels and guesthouses. For the LegCo session of 2022, the public works commitment approved by the FC amounted to $100.7 billion.
Attended seminars on promotion of spirit of 20th National Congress of CPC and on Constitution Day
I attended s seminar on promotion of spirit of 20th National Congress of CPC at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai on 3 Dec. It was attended by over 600 participants, including Government officials, members of the Executive Council and Legislative Council, and representatives from the Judiciary. I also joined another seminar on Constitution Day on 4 Dec, to which about 500 representatives from various sectors of the community were invited. The participants and members of the public have benefited greatly by having a more profound understanding of the spirit of the 20th National Congress and the constitutional basis of Hong Kong.
Support further adjustment of local anti-epidemic measures
With a view to enabling citizens to resume their normal daily lives, in light of the epidemic development and relevant risks assessment by the Department of Health (DH), the Government announced on 28 December that local anti-epidemic measures will be further adjusted starting from December 29, including removing definition of close contacts and ceasing issuance of quarantine orders, removing the Vaccine Pass requirement, lifting social distancing measures except maskwearing, adjusting testing arrangements and maintaining local healthcare services. I welcome the government to further relax the epidemic prevention measures. I believe that the further normalization of people’s life will increase the attractiveness of foreign and mainland tourists and help Hong Kong’s economy return to normal as soon as possible.
Visited the 56th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo (HKBPE) at Victoria Park
I visited the HKBPE at Victoria Park with some LegCo members on 22 Dec to show support for the participating local enterprises. The 56th HKBPE being held started on December 9 and lasts until January 1 2023.