HKFP reports that Legislative Council members are getting a pay hike. Not a big one, at 1.6%. But it brings their basic pay to HK$110,000 a month. (They also get various allowances, notably one that covers the cost of maintaining an office with several assistants.)
In 2021, Beijing overhauled the electoral system for the legislature, expanding it to 90 seats. Most traditional opposition figures remain in prison, have left politics, or have fled into self-imposed exile.
Earlier in October, Rita Fan, the first president of Hong Kong’s legislature after the 1997 Handover, said on RTHK that it was costing too much to sustain 90 lawmakers in the Legislative Council, citing the opinions of “a friend.”
Under the all-patriots system, key legislative roles – such as asking ministers awkward questions and threatening to withhold funding – are in effect no more. No-one has ever explained why more lawmakers were necessary when they all have essentially identical pro-government views.
Rita Fan has friends?
Also in HKFP – the government says two towers of roughly 45 and 55 floors on the Hung Hom waterfront will not block views, including of Lion Rock. But look at how many of Hong Kong’s tallest buildings are those right up close to the harbour. They pretty much make money by taking everyone else’s ridgeline/sea view and selling it to the highest bidder. Unless the Hung Hom structures are going to be invisible.
What do the rats think?
Reaching the parts other national security laws can’t reach: the government ‘embeds’ NatSec education in kindergartens…
The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, jointly officiated at the launch ceremony. Mr Tang shared the creative concept, saying that an illustration-driven book supplemented with an engaging storyline enables children to discover and learn the meaning of following rules and thinking critically, so that they can understand the importance of safeguarding national security from an early age…
The three-volume set of picture books is set against the backdrop of “Andy and Security Bear”, the national security comic series launched by the SB in mid-2024 that has been well received by the education sector and students. The set consists of three new stories accompanied by resources including themed children’s songs, enabling teachers to make learning enjoyable in kindergartens.
The SB also released “Singing Softly”, a children’s song launched alongside the first volume of the picture book. Kindergarten students attending the event performed it on the spot. Through movements, the students brought the lively and easy-to-understand lyrics to life and reinforced their understanding of the positive values in the story, including respecting others and safeguarding their home.
Note that the Secretary for Security formerly known as Chris lacks his English name here. Is this just an RTHK translation thing, or is it going to become de rigueur for officials to drop the foreign influence?
“…following rules and thinking critically” – well, which is it?
Dropping the English name has been evident for some time. Often the table name cards at events do not include it. Patriots with only gweilo first name are no doubt executing a deed pool to add a suitable Chinese name, like Ai Guo.
Also very evident is the change in how guests / delegates/ etc are compiled.
Previously it used to be Gweilo Name / Surname / Chinese Name.
Now its Surname / Chinese Name / Comma / Gweilo Name.
That it makes the monitoring of a data base more onerous is not doubt considered a plues.
Maybe they* can put a light show in Legco to make it more interesting & useful. Maybe bus in low cost tour groups to celebrate improved democracy by patriots?