WSD urges public to be alert to fraudulent SMS messages

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Water Supplies Department (WSD) today (August 13) alerted the public to fraudulent SMS messages purportedly issued by the department.
 
The WSD recently received enquiries from members of the public concerning SMS messages purportedly issued by the department. These messages requested that recipients settle outstanding payments and click the following links, which are not the WSD’s website addresses: 
 

  1. https[:]//wsd[.]pikhsjl[.]sbs
  2. https[:]//wsd[.]pishjs[.]sbs
  3. https[:]//wsd[.]pikshjl[.]sbs

 
     The department has reported the case to the Police.   

     The WSD clarified that it did not send the SMS messages in question and will not direct customers to other websites with hyperlinks embedded in an SMS message. The WSD reminded that the department is registered in the SMS Sender Registration Scheme by the Office of the Communications Authority. All SMS messages issued by the department will include the prefix “#” in the SMS Sender ID for easy identification by the public.

Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the websites concerned or other suspected websites should contact the Police. For enquiries, please call the WSD’s customer services hotline at 2824 5000.

Tuen Mun Hospital announces incident involving patient’s ventilator identified as not being in normal operating mode

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

​The spokesperson for Tuen Mun Hospital made the following announcement today (August 13) regarding an incident involving a patient’s ventilator that was identified as not being in normal operating mode:

On August 7, a 48-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with acute necrotising pancreatitis, complicated by acute kidney injury and respiratory failure. He was started on continuous renal replacement therapy. As the patient’s condition remained critical, healthcare staff intubated him and connected him to a mechanical ventilator on August 10 to assist with his breathing.

At about 7am yesterday (August 12), healthcare staff made adjustments to the ventilator and replaced the respiratory circuit. After four minutes, the patient developed oxygen desaturation, triggering the alarm system. Healthcare staff attended to the patient correspondingly. During this period, the patient suffered a cardiac arrest. The clinical team initiated resuscitation promptly, and the patient’s heartbeat was restored two minutes later. During the resuscitation, it was discovered that the ventilator was not in normal operating mode, and the staff rectified the equipment’s operation mode immediately to enable resumption of normal operation.

The patient was conscious and able to respond to the instructions of the healthcare staff after the event. A thorough assessment and relevant examinations have been conducted, showing that patient’s vital signs were stable. A Computerised Tomography Scan has been done, and the clinical team has initially determined that the incident had no significant impact on his overall condition. The clinical team will continue to closely monitor the patient’s clinical condition and provide appropriate treatment.

The hospital is very concerned about the incident and met with the patient’s family to explain the details of the incident. The hospital will maintain close communication with the family, offering all possible assistance and follow-up care. The patient is still hospitalised in ICU due to his underlying diseases.

The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office through the Advance Incident Reporting System. The hospital will investigate the reasons why the ventilator was not in normal operating mode and make recommendations to prevent recurrence of similar events.

Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao announce ticketing arrangements for 15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Organising Committees of the 15th National Games (NG) and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) today (August 13) held a press conference themed “Join us to enjoy the National Games” in Guangzhou to announce the ticketing arrangements for Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Market Development of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG, Mr Lei Jianjun; the Head of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO), Mr Yeung Tak-keung; the Head of the Preparatory Office for the 15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Macao, Mr Pun Weng-kun; and the Deputy Director-General of the Co-ordination Department for Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG, Mr Zheng Junhui, attended the press conference to introduce the ticketing arrangements of the three places.

At the press conference, Mr Yeung said that Hong Kong together with Guangdong and Macao will adopt the approach of “one platform, ticket purchase across three places” to facilitate ticket purchases for spectators.

Starting from today, Hong Kong residents can use their Hong Kong identity card or Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents to log in to the 15th NG official ticketing website (ticket.baygames.cn), and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG official ticketing website (ticket.baygamespara.cn), as well as the official mini programmes on WeChat for real-name registration. Competition tickets will be released for public sale in phases and batches starting from the end of August according to the competition schedules of the events.

The Hong Kong competition region has a total of 11 ticketed events covering eight competition events for the 15th NG and three competition events for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, with about 400 000 and 35 000 tickets for sale respectively. The first batch of tickets for events in Hong Kong will be available for sale from August 28, covering beach volleyball, handball (men), basketball (men’s U22) and rugby sevens of the 15th NG. Tickets for the other four competition events of the 15th NG, namely track cycling, golf, triathlon and fencing, and three events for the NGD of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, which are boccia, wheelchair fencing and para table tennis (TT11) will be available for sale by phases and batches in late September and early October in accordance with the competition schedules.

The ticket prices of events in Hong Kong are affordable. The three outdoor events (golf, triathlon, and beach volleyball) are each one single ticket price, ranging from Renminbi (RMB) 50 to RMB200 (HK$55 to HK$219). The indoor events (handball (men), basketball (men’s U22), rugby sevens, track cycling and fencing) have varied ticket prices, with assigned seating, ranging from RMB50 to RMB500 (HK$55 to HK$549). The three ticketed events for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG in Hong Kong are all marked at a single ticket price of RMB20 (HK$22). For detailed ticket prices for each event in Hong Kong, please refer to the attachment.

Interested ticket buyers who have registered with real-name accounts on the above-mentioned platforms may purchase tickets under the real-name arrangements when tickets are released. Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao residents may purchase tickets across competition events in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao on the official online ticketing platforms. Ticket prices are set in RMB. Hong Kong residents can settle payments through electronic means. To purchase tickets for events in different competition regions, ticket buyers must use valid travel documents recognised by the respective competition region. Hong Kong residents must use their Hong Kong identity card to purchase tickets for events in Hong Kong and Macao, and their Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents to purchase tickets for events in Guangdong. Mainland and Macao residents must use their Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao, and their Macao identity card respectively when purchasing tickets for events in Hong Kong.

In addition to the official online ticketing platforms, the designated offline service provider for the Hong Kong competition region tickets is the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited. After sales begin at the end of August, members of the public can also purchase tickets for events in Hong Kong at their 11 designated sales outlets on Hong Kong Island (branches located in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and Taikoo Kornhill Plaza), Kowloon (West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station, Kwun Tong Crocodile Center, and Mong Kok Bank Centre Mall), and the New Territories (Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O East Point City, Sha Tin, Tuen Mun Town Plaza, and Tsuen Wan Luk Yeung Galleria). Purchases at these sales outlets do not require prior registration on the official websites. Hong Kong residents must use their Hong Kong identity card, while Mainland and Macao residents must use their Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao, and Macao identity card respectively. The paper tickets sold offline in Hong Kong will be converted from RMB to HK$ at a fixed exchange rate. For more details about the sales outlets, please visit the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited website (ww2.ctshk.com/articleDetail?id=4&channelId=-1) or the official website for the 15th NG in Hong Kong (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/index.html).

The e-tickets and paper tickets for the Hong Kong competition region will bear part of the ticket holder’s name and part of their identification document number. Ticket holders must bring the relevant identification documents with e-tickets or paper tickets for admission.

Tickets for the Hong Kong competition region will be sold in the form of half-day or full-day passes. A ticket holder with one ticket may watch multiple competitions held at the same venue within the half-day or full-day period and may enter and leave the venue freely during that period.

The 15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG will limit the number of tickets that can be purchased. Each order for events in Hong Kong is limited to six tickets, and each valid identification document can only be used for one ticket for the same event.

     Meanwhile, to provide flexibility, all e-tickets can be transferred once under real-name authentication via the official online ticketing platforms 24 hours before the start of the event. For paper tickets, ticket holders who purchase tickets from designated sales outlets in Hong Kong (i.e. China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited) may submit a transfer request at least seven days before the event. When applying for a transfer, ticket holders must bring the required documents and the completed transfer application form to the designated sales outlets to complete the transfer procedure in person.

     For any ticketing enquiries, Hong Kong residents may call the official ticketing call centre at +86 4001-125305 or email the official ticketing enquiry email address at services@quanyun2025.com.

For the mass participation event of the 15th NG, bowling, and the mass participation event of the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG, para dance sport, and Special Olympics table tennis, free admission will be offered through prior real-name registration.
     
     The finals for the bowling mass participation event will be held from August 22 to 24 at the Kai Tak Sports Park Bowling Centre. Interested spectators can register starting tomorrow (August 14) at 10am for a ticket exchange certificate by providing the required information via the website (h5.ctshk.com/ticketDetail?id=3300001423&channelId=-1&poiId=16613343). There are 120 tickets available for the event each day, with a total of 360 tickets for the three-day event while stocks last. Successful registrants will receive a ticket exchange certificate via email to obtain a ticket on the event day. Details on the ticketing arrangements for the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG events mass participation event para dance sport and Special Olympics table tennis will be announced later.

For more information on the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG in Hong Kong, please visit the thematic website (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/index.html), as well the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/2025nationalgames.hk) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/2025nationalgames.hk).

     

FEHD continues to strengthen mosquito control and elimination efforts in Kwai Tsing District in view of imported chikungunya fever cases (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (August 13) that in view of an imported case of chikungunya fever (CF) announced by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) last night, the FEHD has immediately carried out anti-mosquito work at various locations in the vicinity of Ta Chuen Ping Street, Kwai Tsing District, where the patient resides. Such work include removing stagnant water, cleansing streets and applying larvicides to reduce the risk of disease transmission. The FEHD will also convene a meeting of the inter-departmental task force on anti-mosquito work in the district to coordinate departments and stakeholders in taking joint actions for mosquito prevention and control.

There have been industrial and recycling operations in the area near Ta Chuen Ping Street. Having found recyclers putting articles in public places during inspections, the FEHD officers hence instituted prosecution against the offenders and requested them to remove the articles immediately. As for the accumulation of articles in private areas nearby, the FEHD has warned the responsible persons that they must handle the articles properly to prevent mosquito breeding, or they will face prosecution.

In addition, the FEHD found water dripping from air-conditioners in residential units nearby during inspections, causing water accumulation in some of the back alleys. The FEHD has issued / will issue statutory notices to the owners or occupiers of the relevant premises, requiring them to rectify the situation within a specified period. At the same time, the FEHD has referred to the relevant department for follow-up actions on the uneven surfaces of back alleys to prevent from re-occurrence of water accumulation in the long run.

Moreover, in collaboration with Kwai Tsing District Council members, the FEHD distributed anti-mosquito promotional leaflets to shop owners and members of the public this morning to raise residents’ awareness of mosquito prevention. The FEHD will also continue to conduct vector investigations within 250-metre radius of residence of the patient involved in the case announced last night. Immediate actions will be taken upon detection of mosquito breeding grounds, including removal of stagnant water and fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes.

The imported cases recently announced also involve patients residing in Kwai Tsing District. The FEHD will continue to collaborate with relevant departments and stakeholders and conduct mosquito control and elimination work in the area near the patients’ residence, to reduce the risk of disease transmission. The department will also step up publicity and education efforts with local community to raise public awareness of mosquito prevention.

Public participation is crucial to effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue joining hands in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

· Tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
· Remove all unnecessary water collection and eliminate the sources;
· Check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks, to prevent stagnant water;
· Change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants no more than every 7 days;
· Properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquito from accessing the water; and
· Properly dispose articles that are able to contain water such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Members of the public may refer to the FEHD’s webpage on mosquito prevention and control (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/risk-pest-mosquito.html#), and should constantly pay attention to the information regarding CF released by the CHP of the DH. The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems.

Singapore ETO promotes award-winning Hong Kong film “Four Trails” in Singapore (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO), in collaboration with the Singapore Film Society (SFS) and distributor KillerMud Films (KMF), copresented an exclusive screening of the award-winning Hong Kong documentary “Four Trails” yesterday evening (August 13) at Golden Village Suntec City, Singapore. Both the film and event showcased Hong Kong’s vibrant sporting spirit, stunning natural landscapes and compelling cultural storytelling.

     In his opening remarks, the Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, reiterated the commitment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to supporting the development of the Hong Kong film industry and promoting its productions to international audiences through various funding schemes and talent development initiatives. The Singapore ETO strives to further enhance the global visibility of Hong Kong films and showcase the city’s unique cultural creativity on the world stage through collaborations with overseas partners. 

     Meanwhile, Mr Fung highlighted Hong Kong’s potential in ecotourism. He thanked the film for bringing attention to Hong Kong’s unique geological and ecological features, including areas within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to sustainable tourism and sports development. He expressed his gratitude to the SFS and KMF for their ongoing support in bringing Hong Kong films to Singapore audiences.

     The event was well-received, attracting a full house of around 150 attendees. In the post-screening virtual Q&A session moderated by the Chairman of the SFS, Mr Kenneth Tan, audience members engaged with the film’s director, Mr Robin Lee, sharing their reflections and asking thoughtful questions. Riding on the encouraging response, the Singapore ETO will continue to promote Hong Kong’s rich and diverse narratives, and enhance international appreciation for its cultural and natural heritage.

     “Four Trails” chronicles the arduous Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge, a 298-kilometre ultramarathon across Hong Kong’s iconic trails, celebrating both the resilience of runners and the city’s volcanic geology and coastal scenery. The film garnered several accolades, including the Best New Director award at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards (2025). For more information on its screenings in Singapore, please visit www.facebook.com/61553739735059 and www.gv.com.sg/GVMovieDetails?movie=2329#/movie/2329/cinema/null.

        

SCED attends reception to celebrate 30th anniversary of Sydney ETO in Australia

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, proceeded to Sydney today (August 13) to start his visit to Australia to deepen collaboration in trade and investment between Hong Kong and Australia.

     Upon arrival, Mr Yau attended a reception hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its establishment.

     Speaking at the reception, Mr Yau remarked that the Sydney ETO was set up in 1995 with an important mission to promote and strengthen Hong Kong’s economic, trade and cultural ties with Australia and New Zealand as well as foster a better understanding of Hong Kong in the two countries. Over the last three decades, the Sydney ETO has played a crucial role in facilitating communication and collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia, serving as a vital connector that brings together the two communities and laying a strong foundation for even deeper co-operation in the years ahead.

     Mr Yau noted that in 2024, Hong Kong was Australia’s 10th-largest export market, with bilateral trade in goods between the two places reaching approximately AUD8 billion. Australia was also Hong Kong’s eighth-largest trading partner in services in 2023. These figures reflect the deepening of the relationship, fuelled by increased bilateral exchanges, shared commitment to free trade, and the innovative spirit that defines both economies.

     He further noted the strong post-pandemic recovery in tourism and connectivity, citing the growing flow of visitors to Hong Kong and vibrant expatriate communities between Hong Kong and Australia as a testament to the enduring strength of bilateral relations.

     Meanwhile, Mr Yau outlined Hong Kong’s ongoing initiatives to enhance its business environment and regional competitiveness, such as the Top Talent Pass Scheme to attract global talent and foster innovation, and the recent reduction of the duty rate on liquor to promote liquor trade. He also highlighted Hong Kong’s abundant opportunities for Australian businesses and its role as a key entry point into the fast-growing markets of the Mainland and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

     On regional trade, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong is actively seeking to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and its accession to RCEP will enhance regional value chains and create new synergies in various areas, benefitting Australian exporters, service providers and investors alike.

     Today’s reception brought together over 300 distinguished guests from various sectors, including political and business circles, media, academia, community groups and government representatives. A special exhibition highlighted the Sydney ETO’s diverse engagements over the past three decades, ranging from hosting high-level visits and leading business delegations to organising economic forums and staging cultural performances, demonstrating the growing depth and breadth of Hong Kong’s ties with Australia and New Zealand. Another section of the showcase spotlighted Hong Kong’s unique strengths as Asia’s world city and a dynamic hub for global business.

     In addition, before proceeding to Sydney today from Auckland, New Zealand, Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Auckland, Mr Chen Shijie, to update him on the latest social and economic developments in Hong Kong.

     Mr Yau will continue his visit to Sydney tomorrow (August 14).

Students of AM schools and whole-day schools need not attend school

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Attention TV and radio duty announcers:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement by the Education Bureau concerning schools, and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     As the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal is now in force, students of AM schools and whole-day schools do not have to attend school today. Schools should keep their premises open and implement contingency measures to look after arriving students. Parents do not need to pick up their children from schools immediately.
 
     If the Hong Kong Observatory issues the Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal or cancels all Rainstorm Warning Signals at or before 10.30am, classes of PM schools will proceed as usual today unless advised otherwise.

Driving licence applications refined

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport Department today announced that new short, medium and long-term measures will be launched in phases towards the full implementation of online appointment services for application for direct issue of a Hong Kong full driving licence and quotas will be increased gradually.

To make online appointment arrangements more effective, starting from September, the department will strengthen co-operation with relevant issuing authorities of driving licences, including more checks on “direct issue” applicants’ information in relation to Mainland driving licences provided via online appointments.

If any information is found to be untrue, the relevant appointments will be cancelled and such quotas will be reopened for appointment by other applicants.

Regarding the medium-term measure, in the fourth quarter, the department will accept online appointments for “direct issue” counter services only and no on-site queue ticketing will be arranged.

By that time, the counter services for “direct issue” will be expanded to the Kowloon Licensing Office, the Kwun Tong Licensing Office and the Sha Tin Licensing Office.

The number of appointment quotas will also increase.

Applicants must upload proof documents when making online appointments for verification of eligibility.

In the long term, the department is actively studying the use of artificial intelligence technologies in “direct issue” application procedures.

Applicants who uploaded proof documents during online appointments with initial approval only need to bring their original application documents for verification at Licensing Offices during their booked timeslots.

A full driving licence can then be issued within the same day, reducing the need for applicants to submit applications via agents.

The department stressed that applicants must submit sufficient, true and accurate documentary proof, and their applications will only be approved when they fully meet the eligibility criteria stipulated under the law.

It added that new queue ticketing requirements were imposed on agents submitting “direct issue” applications at the Hong Kong Licensing Office at United Centre, Admiralty from today and its operation has largely been smooth.

The department also noted that following more online government services connected to “iAM Smart”, applications for most licences and driving test services can now be submitted online.

At present, about 60% of applicants for international driving permit applications and 50% of full driving licence renewal applications are submitted online.

REO and DPO host drill for Electronic Poll Register System

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

REO and DPO host drill for Electronic Poll Register System 
A spokesman for the REO said, “The EPR System will be used for issuing ballot papers at the two major elections this year. The drill today aims to simulate monitoring of the ballot papers issuance system by the technical support teams throughout the polling day, and to test the instant response capabilities of the technical support teams and the system’s resilience under special circumstances.”
 
The drill was conducted for the polling operations of the two elections this year with strengthened technical support and contingency plans for the EPR System. It adopts the principle of “respond instantly, recover rapidly” and combines multi-layered system monitoring with a comprehensive contingency plan. The drill simulates the immediate activation of corresponding contingency plans when the system monitoring indicators exceed their pre-defined thresholds, with an aim to resume system operations within the shortest period of time and ensure the smooth issuance of ballot papers at the elections.
 
The Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, acted as the Information Technology Commander for the drill with the participation of technical support teams from the DPO and the REO as well as the EPR System contractor. The Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC), Mr Justice David Lok, and the Convenor and Members of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) were also present to observe the proactive system monitoring and the execution of contingency plans under different simulated scenarios.
 
The relevant tasks in system development, including high-intensity stress tests and security tests, have been conducted in accordance with the EAC’s three-tier confirmation mechanism. The REO has submitted the system modifications and testing results to the TAC for consideration and endorsement. “With the multi-layered system monitoring and the prompt implementation of contingency plans in case of special circumstances, it helps ensure the smooth issuance of ballot papers at polling stations,” the spokesman said.
 
The REO will continue to arrange a series of drills and training sessions for electoral staff with a view to familiarising them with the workflow and enhancing the co-ordination and response capabilities of various aspects, so as to make adequate and comprehensive preparations for the two elections this year.
Issued at HKT 23:36

NNNN

External forces’ smears condemned

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly disapproved of and rejected the slanderous remarks made by external forces, including anti-China media organisations, regarding Lai Chee-ying’s case under the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the treatment provided to him during his custody.

It noted that their intention to smear and attack the Hong Kong SAR Government is blatantly obvious and must be sternly denounced to set the record straight.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has emphasised time and again that as the legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case in an attempt to interfere with the court to exercise judicial power independently, which might otherwise constitute perverting the course of justice.

However, external forces and anti-China media still continue to distort the truth, blatantly discredit the judicial system and trials of the Hong Kong SAR, in an attempt to glorify criminal behaviour and exert pressure on the courts of the Hong Kong SAR.

The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) attaches great importance to the safety and health of persons-in-custody (PICs). Regardless of the identities, ages and nationalities of PICs, the CSD is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy. If inmates require further examination and treatment, they will be referred to specialist medical staff or to public hospitals for further follow-up. The CSD has also put in place an established mechanism, including regular independent visitors – Justices of the Peace – who inspect the prisons to ensure the rights of PICs are protected. The CSD also adopts these arrangements when handling matters related to Lai Chee-ying, which are no different from those applicable to other PICs.

It also pointed out that Lai Chee-ying’s legal representative has already made a clarification earlier that he has all along been receiving suitable treatment and care in prison. However, external forces choose to turn a blind eye to these facts and evidence, and carry on with their malicious political manoeuvres with ulterior motives. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly opposes such actions.

In addition, it stressed that the arrangement for Lai Chee-ying’s removal from association from other PICs has all along been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law. The remarks by these external forces regarding Lai Chee-ying’s solitary confinement are completely fact-twisting, reflecting a malicious intention to smear and attack the Hong Kong SAR Government.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also noted that all cases concerning the offence of endangering national security will be handled in a fair and timely manner by the law enforcement, prosecution and judicial authorities of the Hong Kong SAR as required by the HKNSL. The time taken between the institution of prosecution and the completion of trial of each case depends on a multitude of factors. The prosecution and defence will adhere to any direction given by the court to ensure a timely trial.

As regards the freedoms of the press and of speech, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the media landscape has been as vibrant as ever in the Hong Kong SAR since the implementation of the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. However, freedom of the press and freedom of speech are not absolute. The media, like everyone else, have an obligation to abide by all the laws. As long as they are not in violation of the law, the media continue to enjoy the freedom to comment on and criticise government policies without any restriction.

In recent cases, the court cited judicial precedents from the European Court of Human Rights regarding freedom of the press, pointing out that the European Convention on Human Rights does not guarantee a wholly unrestricted freedom of speech even with respect to press coverage on matters of serious public concern. The most crucial point is that journalists must act in good faith and on accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information in accordance with the tenets of ‘responsible journalism’ in order to enjoy the protection of their rights to freedom of speech and press freedom.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised it will continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security, effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law, and safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law at the same time.