5. Major events in the fourth year after handover

2000.7-2001.6

Date
Events
Sources
2000.7.1 The HKSAR government held a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the third anniversary of the handover at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wanchai. About 3,700 people representing the Federation of Hong Kong Students Unions and some 30 other political parties, government employee associations, student groups and abode-seeker groups, staged a massive demonstration to protest the government’s poor administration. They demanded Chief Executive Tung Chee-Hwa step down and that a general election be held. Sing Tao Daily, 2000.7.2
2000.7.5 Robert Chung, director of public opinion surveys at the News and Media Center of the University of Hong Kong, wrote an article in the Hong Kong Economic Journal to question whether Tung paid attention to opinion surveys, and another one in the South China Morning Post, “pressure to top opinion polls not welcome.” He revealed that Tung once went through a third person to ask him to stop conducting polls on the performance of the Chief Executive and the HKSAR government’s administration capability. Later, Tung publicly denied this. HKSAR government press coordinator Lam Shui-lun told a press conference that academic institutions are free to conduct any opinion survey. Hong Kong Economic Journal, South China Morning Post, Government Press Releases, 2000.7.7
2000.7.9
 Some 10,000 government employees, who were members of 30 unions, and their family members, staged a march to the HKSAR government office, demanding an immediate halt to the privatization of a few government agencies and the outsourcing of services. They called for stopping some reforms that were already in force. Min Pao, 2000.7.10
2000.7.17 Democracy 2000, consisting of 27 political parities, groups, and some individuals, and the Federation of Hong Kong Students Unions staged a gathering called “Sunset Chief Executive” to demand Tung step down and hold a general election. Min Pao, 2000.7.18
2000.7.20 In a recent report, the London-based Economist said Hong Kong was the No. 3 city in the world with the highest cost of living, after Tokyo and Osaka. Min Pao, 2000.7.21
2000.7.25
  • The University of Hong Kong administration committee made a decision to set up a three-member investigation team to look into Robert Chung’s allegation. The three were non-permanent judge Noel Plunkett Power, Ronny Wong, former chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, and Chan-Wong Shui, chief secretary of the Consumer Council. The team was expected to complete its investigation in five to six weeks and present a report to the committee.
 Min Pao, 2000.7.26
  • Stephen Selby, director of the Intellectual Property Department, leading a nine-member delegation, visited Macao to explore the possibility of bilateral cooperation in intellectual property protection.
 Min Pao, 2000.7.24
  • In a report on the Hong Kong situation to the parliament, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said “one country, two systems” had operated rather smoothly in Hong Kong. The report reiterated London’s wish to see an early implementation of general elections for the Legislative Council and the Chief Executive. The report mentioned that Wang Fengcao, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government in Hong Kong, made improper comments among a number of disputes.
 Min Pao, 2000.7.27
2000.8.14
 The HKSAR government appointed Peter Woo to be chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for a two-year term that would take effect on Oct. 1, 2000. Government Press Releases, 2000.8.14
2000.8.25
 Sir James Hodge, the second British consul general to Hong Kong since the 1997 handover, assumed office on August 28. Hodge, 57, served as British ambassador to Thailand and was the counselor to Beijing during 1995-1996. Apple Daily, 2000.8.26
2000.8.27
 The Catholic Monitors on Legislative Councilors issued the 1999-2000 watch report. The report said that 30 bills would have been passed under the old vote-counting system because pros outnumbered cons, but these bills failed to be adopted due to the new sectional vote counting system last year. Among them, 27 bills were related to economic affairs and welfare programs. Min Pao, 2000.8.28
2000.8.28 The Hong Kong Office in Beijing compiled and published a booklet “Practical Information on Mainland Criminal Law and Regulations Related to Detention and Arrest.” This outlined the procedures and regulations of Mainland law enforcement agencies in handling criminal cases. The booklet has been circulated as a reference for Hong Kong people working or doing business on the Mainland. Ta Kung Po, 2000.8.28
2000.9.5 The U.S. Department of State presented to the Congress the second annual report on Hong Kong’s religion, which lauded the HKSAR government’s protection of religious freedom at various levels. Government Press Releases, 2000.9.6
2000.9.10
 The second Legislative Council election was held, with 155 candidates contesting 60 seats. The turnout totaled 1,331,080, or 43.57% of the entire eligible voters. Results showed that 48 candidates were re-elected and 12 were elected for the first time. MAC Mainland Affairs Report, 2000.10.11
2000.9.17 The Hong Kong Social Security Society issued a report on wealth distribution in the 1990s in Hong Kong. The report said the gap between the rich and the poor widened dramatically as a result of the rapid economic expansion. Wages and real family income have become polarized. Oriental Daily News, 2000.9.18
2000.9.18 Carrefour of France closed four supermarkets in Hong Kong and announced a plan to lay off 490 workers in a procedure consistent with the law.
 Hong Kong Economic Journal, 2000.8.30
2000.9.19 Garry Cheng, legislative councilor of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong (DAB), announced his resignation. The HKSAR will hold a supplementary election to fill his seat that will cost HK$35 million. Hong Kong Economic Journal, 2000.9.20
2000.9.25 Mrs. Shen-Lo Yuk-lin, deputy commissioner of Inland Revenue Department, was prosecuted by the Independent Commission Against Corruption on charges of overbilling house allowances in 1983 that violated the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. Government Press Releases, 2000.9.125
2000.9.29 The HKSAR government appointed Cheng Han-kun to head the Hong Kong Housing Authority for a two-year term that took effect on Oct. 1, 2001. Government Press Releases, 2000.9.29
2000.10.1 Beginning today, various fees on issuing travel pass for Hong Kong and Macao residents to travel to and from the Mainland increased by 20-100%. The price hike, taking effect without early notice, met stormy criticism from Hong Kong groups as “extortion and profiteering.” The passes were handled by the China Travel Service and were issued by the Guangdong Province Public Security Department under the authorization of the PRC Ministry of Public Security. Apple Daily, 2000.10.2
2000.10.4 Councilors of the second Legislative Council were sworn into office, and Rita Fan was re-elected the chairwoman. Min Pao, 2000.10.5
2000.10.8 The Gulf Cooperation Council, consisting of 29 countries and areas as well as the European Commission, set up Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering. At the meeting in Spain, Hong Kong was elected chairman for 2001-2002 of the special committee. Wen Wei Po, 2000.10.9
2000.10.11 HKSAR Chief Executive Tung presented his fourth administrative report to the Legislative Council, which was titled "Center around the people and have the same devotion and care." The report focused on education, welfare for the under-privileged, and permanence of the special region, which was affirmed by the general public. Min Pao, 2000.10.12
2000.10.13 Reginia Ip, secretary for security, and Liao Xiaocun, director of the Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs Office of the PRC Ministry of Public Security, signed an agreement on the establishment of a notification system between Hong Kong police and PRC security apparatus. Each will notify the other about criminal law enforcements and prosecutions as well as unnatural death of citizens. The system began operation on January 1, 2001. Government Press Releases, 2000.10.13
2000.10.14 The HKSAR government signed visa-free agreements with the Slovak Republic. Hong Kong people could visit the central European country without a visa for a maximum stay of 14 days. Government Press Releases, 2000.10.14
2000.10.18 Hong Kong Customs uncovered a human trafficking gang, trying to send 26 Chinese men into Hong Kong illegally from Fujian province by hiding them in a container bound for Long Island City, United States. Apple Daily, 2000.10.24
2000.10.20 The Hong Kong LegCo(Legislative Council) Home Affairs Committee vetoed a bill introduced by Martin Lee, chairman of the Democratic Party, to set up a special committee to investigate the scandal involving polls by the University of Hong Kong. Min Pao, 2000.10.21
2000.10.26 Chief Executive Tung visited Beijing to report on Hong Kong's economic development and general situation. He met PRC President Jiang Zemin, Premier Zhu Rongji, and Vice Premier Qian Qichen. Min Pao, 2000.10.22
2000.10.27 While Chief Executive Tung was still visiting Beijing, PRC President Jiang, when asked whether Tung has already been decided to serve a second term, scolded reporters for being "naive, and childish." Jiang said the election of the Chief Executive would be based upon the Basic Law. He added that the central government's approval is very crucial as well. Min Pao, 2000.10.28
2000.10.30 The Hong Kong Immigration Department said that beginning November 1, overseas Chinese, still holding PRC passports and wishing to work or reside in Hong Kong, would be able to apply for Hong Kong permits after living overseas for one year, compared to two years under the old regulation Government Press Releases, 2000.10.30
2000.11.1
  • Washington announced that Hong Kong was removed from the watch list of drug diversion countries (entities).
 Government Press Releases, 2000.11.2
  • Hong Kong LegCo failed to adopt a motion to thank Tung for presenting his fourth administrative report to the council. This was the second time that Tung was not thanked.
 Min Pao, 2000.11.2
2000.11.2 Hong Kong and the Netherlands signed a taxation agreement to waive ship owners from double taxation. Government Press Releases, 2000.11.2
2000.11.5 Lee Ruihuan, member of the PRC Politburo and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Committee, arrived in Hong Kong Nov. 5 for a five-day visit. Seven members of the April 5 Action Group staged a protest outside the Protocol Building, demanding Beijing release dissidents. Lee met HKSAR government officials, executive councilors, legislative councilors, and judicial representatives. Min Pao, 2000.11.6
2000.11.17 Hong Kong and Germany signed a bilateral agreement on the return of people illegally overstaying in the other's jurisdiction, which could help cooperation in controlling illegal immigrants. Government Press Releases, 2000.11.17
2000.11.28 The HKSAR Garrison forces underwent its third massive shift transfer. Ta Kung Po, 2000.11.29
2000.11.30 Hong Kong policemen and Mainland security offices held the second bilateral law enforcement meeting to discuss notification systems, security situations, and police cooperation. Government Press Releases, 2000.11.30
2000.12.7 The Mainland/HKSAR Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade held a second meeting to review exchanges between the two sides since the first meeting Wen Wei Po, 2000.12.8
2000.12.11
  • The Hong Kong Stock Exchange signed a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Stock Exchange to exchange auditing information.
 Macao Daily News, 2000.12.12
  • Ms. Yu Yuk-mei, former chairperson of the Hong Kong Bar Association, was elected councilor to represent the Hong Kong district in the Legislative Council.
 Min Pao, 2000.12.12
2000.12.15 The HKSAR government presented the Chief Executive Election Ordinance (bill) to the Legislative Council. The bill stipulates that the committee for the selection of the second Chief Executive would be the committee responsible for the election of second Legislative Council. Min Pao, 2000.12.16
2000.12.18 The PRC State Council named Tsang Yam-pui commissioner of police. Min Pao, 2000.12.19
2001.1.12 Chief Secretary for Administration Anson Chan announced she would request early retirement in April 2001 for personal reasons. Min Pao, 2001.1.13
2001.1.22 The Prosecutions Division of the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region had been elected an organizational member of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP), and became the 75th organizational member of the IAP
 Government Press Releases, 2001.1.22
2001.1.30 Chang Liang-jen, general manager of the Chung-hwa Travel Service and director of the Hong Kong Affairs Bureau of the Mainland Affairs Council(MAC), arrived in Hong Kong to assume his post. Min Pao, 2001.1.31
2001.2.4 The Hong Kong Human Rights Commission, Human Rights Monitor, and the International Commission of Jurists, Hong Kong Section, issued a statement that recent activities by some PRC and pro-Beijing people against the Falun Gong in Hong Kong were aimed at exerting pressure on the HKSAR government to ban Falun Gong. Min Pao, 2001.2.5
2001.2.6 The Dutch Foreign Minister and Human Rights Ambassador van Aartsen decided to "indefinitely" postpone his scheduled visit to Hong Kong and Mainland China because Beijing asked him not to meet Falun Gong representatives in Hong Kong. Min Pao, 2001.2.7
2001.2.8
  • Replying questions at the Legislative Council, Chief Executive Tung said the Falun Gong contained elements more or less of an evil cult. The government would closely watch its activities. However, this would not result in quick legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, he added.
  • Twelve religious groups joined in urging officials of the Liaison Office of the Central Government in Hong Kong and HKSAR senior officials to treat the Falun Gong with a normal attitude and stop using any words that could split the Hong Kong people.
 Min Pao, 2001.2.9
2001.2.11 Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou visited Hong Kong for four days at the invitation of the Hong Kong Policy Research Institute. Apple Daily, 2001.2.12
2001.2.12 The PRC State Office announced the appointment of Laura Cha, deputy chairperson of Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong, to be the Vice Chairperson of the PRC Securities Control Commission. She thus held the highest position now offered to a non-PRC citizen. Asia Week, 2001.3.5-11
2001.2.15 Chief Executive Tung named Donald Tsang, financial secretary, to be new Chief Secretary for administration, and Anthony Leung, to fill Tsang's position. Min Pao, 2001.2.16
2001.2.22 In a rating of the business environment in world major cities, The Economist predicted that Hong Kong would slide to No. 12 from No. 6 in the next five years. Reacting to this, the HKSAR government said that it was confident that the Hong Kong economy would grow in the next few years to provide more business opportunities to international investors. Min Pao, 2001.2.22
2001.2.26 In its annual human rights report, the U.S. State Department criticized Hong Kong for having five major drawbacks - abuse of power by Hong Kong police, media self-censorship, hampered religious freedom, non-democratic elections, and being a hub and destination of human trafficking. Hong Kong Economic Journal, 2001.2.28
2001.2.28 The Liaison Office of the Central Government in Hong Kong said in a release that Washington's accusations regarding Hong Kong's human rights were groundless and without justification. The HKSAR affairs belonged to the PRC's domestic affairs, and other countries had no right to criticize them. Hong Kong Commercial Daily, 2001.3.1
2001.3.3 HKSAR Secretary for Health Mrs. Chan-Fung Fu-chun, leading a delegation, visited Macao. During her visit, she exchanged views with Fernando Chui Sai On, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao, on health and medical cooperation. Macao Government Press Releases, 2001.3.3
2001.3.7 Financial Secretary Donald Tsang presented the 2001-2002 fiscal plan with three major suggestions. First, the government was considering a reduction of the stamp tax for stock trading in order to boost the competitiveness of the Hong Kong stock market. Second, tuition spent for advanced learning by government employees could enjoy a reduction in salary tax in order to encourage employees to take on-the-job training. Third, the government was considering setting up a HK$300 million training fund to support small- and medium-sized enterprises to train employees. Government Press Release, 2001.3.7
2001.3.11 The Democratic Party made public an opinion survey on the HKSAR government's recruitment of special experts. Among the interviewees, 69.1% said that the unlimited recruitment of Mainland experts by the information technology and financial service sectors would affect the employment chances of young Hong Kong people. While the HKSAR government was reducing subsidies to universities and at the same time increasing recruitment of Mainland experts, 67% said this was unfair to young Hong Kong people. Min Pao, 2001.3.12
2001.3.13 The three-day second joint meeting of criminal investigation officers in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao was held for investigators to exchange views on anti-crime cooperation, particularly against organized crime and drug trafficking. Macao Daily News, 2001.3.14
2001.3.19
  • The Hong Kong unemployment rate rebounded again for the first time in 18 months. The unemployment rate in December 2000-February 2001 increased 0.2 percentage points on year to 4.5%.
  • In a report titled "Shanghai’s Advantage of the Two Cities," the Hong Kong Trade Development Council said Shanghai GDP would surpass Hong Kong in 2015.
 Min Pao, 2001.3.20
2001.3.20
  • The Beijing government announced the appointment of Ji Peiding to be the commissioner of the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, replacing Ma Yujen.
 Min Pao, 2001.3.21
  • In a monthly business confidence survey, the Hong Kong Policy Research Institute said the March indices showed an overall downturn from January. The confidence in the Hong Kong stock market showed the largest drop, and the confidence in job market improvement dropped 22.6%.
 Wen Wei Po, 2001.3.21
2001.3.22
  • According to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong consumer prices in February dropped 2.1%, a year-on-year record, and greater than the 1.2% drop registered in January. This indicated that Hong Kong is suffering from worsening deflation.
 Wen Wei Po, 2001.3.23
  • A poll by Lingnan University showed that 60% of those surveyed lacked confidence in political parties. Among various political groups, the DAB and the Association for Democracy and People’s Livelihood won the highest support.
 Sing Tao Daily, 2001.3.21
2001.3.23 Secretary for Security Regina Ip announced 12 European Union countries would offer Hong Kong passport holders three-month visa-free treatment beginning April 10, 2001. Hong Kong Economic Journal, 2001.3.24
2001.3.27 A survey jointly conducted by the Asian editions of Fortune and Time showed that at the end of last year, among the 19 countries or areas in Asia, Hong Kong had the second best business environment. However, the judicial system index for Hong Kong was rated lower than Singapore's. Sing Tao Daily, 2001.3.28
2001.3.28
  • In a survey conducted last year on Hong Kong consumer satisfaction by the City University of Hong Kong, the satisfaction rate was 67.7%, up 2.9 percentage points from one year ago. Associate Professor Tseng Kou-fai, of the Department of Management Science, said that rising satisfaction could be a result of the economic upturn.
 Hong Kong Commercial Daily, 2001.3.29
  • Chan Kai-wai, Wu Chi-wai, and Ng Wing-fei, members of the second and third echelons of the Democratic Party, had their home visit passes confiscated while traveling on the Mainland. The Democratic Party said this could be linked to their positions on the Falun Gong and the Mainland's reluctance to see Democratic Party fledging.
 Sing Pao Daily News, 2001.3.21
2001.3.30 Finance Minister Yen Ching-chang and Chairman Chen Po-chih of the Council of Economic Planning and Development were invited to visit Hong Kong to take part in the CSFB-sponsored economic forum and to deliver keynote speeches. The HKSAR government requested that they sign an agreement promising not to engage in activities that could embarrass the government or represent the sovereignty of Taiwan. After Taipei's persistent communications and the media's exposure of the positions of the National Security Council, the HKSAR government notified Taipei that such papers wouldn't be necessary. The two government officials left for Hong Kong separately later. Min Pao, 2001.3.30
2001.4.3 The Arabia Emeritus told the HKSAR government that Hong Kong citizens would be given visas upon arrival for 30-day stay without fee. Min Pao, 2001.4.4
2001.4.6 Tsai Chih-chong, MAC Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Department, was named Director-general of the Macao Affairs Office. Hong Kong Daily News,, 2001.4.7
2001.4.10 The HKSAR Economic Services Bureau spokesman said that Taiwan-Hong Kong aviation negotiations fall under commercial talks that should be between airline companies, and that the HKSAR government would not intervene. Apple Daily, 2001.4.11
2001.4.11 Lau Chin-shek, chairman of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (CTU), and Secretary General Lee Cheuk-yan, leading a 26-member delegation, visited Kaohsiung at the invitation of the Kaohsiung City Industrial Union to exchange views on the labor movement. Min Pao, 2001.4.11
2001.4.19 According to a survey by Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong people's dissatisfaction with Chief Executive Tung and Secretary for Justice Ellis Leung were as high as 57% and 59%. Support for Chief Secretary Anson Chan and Secretary of Treasury Donald Tsang were very high. Min Pao, 2001.4.20
2001.4.20 The HKSAR Census and Statistics Department reported that the January-March unemployment rate was 4.6%, saying that Hong Kong's falling exports, affected by U.S. economic slowdown, had affected the Hong Kong job market. Oriental Daily News, 2001.4.21
2001.4.23 According to the annual report on country competitiveness by the Lausane-based International Institute for Management, Hong Kong climbed to sixth place in the world, from twelfth place last year. Min Pao, 2001.4.24
2001.4.24 In its latest economic forecast, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised down Hong Kong's economic growth forecast from 4.8% to 3.5%. The HKSAR government had not decided to revise downward, but maintained its original forecast of 4%. Hong Kong Commercial Daily, 2001.4.25
2001.4.25 Chief Executive Tung issued a strong-worded statement that the Falun Gong was by no means a simple religious or health movement. The activities of the cult were aimed at splitting the HKSAR government and the central government and damaging Hong Kong's interests. Sing Tao Daily, 2001.4.26
2001.4.26 Donald Tsang, Chief Secretary-designate, said that the government would pay close attention to Falun Gong’s activities in Hong Kong, and would not tolerate the cult using Hong Kong's freedom and tolerance to affect social order and stability. Min Pao, 2001.4.27
2001.4.28 Legislative Councilors Cheung Man-kwong (Democratic Party) and scholar Joseph Cheng criticized Tung's statement affecting Hong Kong's rule of law and freedom of speech. Sing Tao Daily, 2001.4.25
2001.5.2 The HKSAR government suggested the election day for the Chief Executive be set on March 24, 2002. Wen Wei Po, 2001.5.3
2001.5.7 Many Legislative Councilors said they were unhappy with the slow formation of a bill by the government, thus failing to fill the loopholes of possible corruption by the Chief Executive. Ms. Cheung King-yiu, vice director of administration, said the legislation might not be soon enough in advance of the election of the Chief Executive. Ta Kung Po, 2001.5.8
2001.5.8
  • The Fortune Forum was held May 8-10 in Hong Kong, with the participation of 600 political and business representatives from 44 of the Fortune 500, 137 Hong Kong enterprises, 75 Mainland companies, and 10 Taiwan firms.
 Government Press Releases, 2001.5.10
  • During the time the forum meetings were held in Hong Kong, 56 demonstrations took place with some 4,800 protestors, including 400 members of the Falun Gong. Falun Gong members held 15 gatherings in total during the time of the meetings.
 Government Press Releases, 2001.5.16
  • Regarding overseas Falun Gong members being rejected for entry into Hong Kong, the U.S. Consulate asked the HKSAR government to explain why these citizens were rejected entry and to clarify Hong Kong's entry policies and regulations.
 Min Pao, 2001.5.9
  • The spokesman for Hong Kong Immigration Department said that the director of immigration had full power to determine the eligibility of visa applicants. The discretionary power falls under the high degree of autonomy of the HKSAR government.
 Min Pao, 2001.5.9
2001.5.14 A report comparing the competitiveness of Hong Kong and Shanghai said Hong Kong surpassed Shanghai in economic sustainable development, business environment, regulatory regime, administration, market liberalization, and production criteria. However, Shanghai outperformed Hong Kong in terms of technological strength and human resources training. Min Pao, 2001.5.15
2001.5.15
  • HKSAR Secretary of Security Regina Ip met the consul generals of a few foreign countries in mid-May. She said no persons were rejected entering into Hong Kong for their religious faith or relation with any religious groups.
 Hong Kong Economic Daily, 2001.5.16
  • Michael Sun, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, said Hong Kong citizens, holding BNO passports, cannot run for Chief Executive. This was because BNO passport holders must swear loyalty to the United Kingdom, which conflicts with provisions in the Basic Law that require the Chief Executive to remain loyal to the Beijing government.
 Government Press Releases, 2001.5.16
  • The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights issued a report on Hong Kong's human rights situation. The report expressed deep regret about the condition of Hong Kong's human rights.
  
2001.5.16
  • The Avian flu erupted in Hong Kong again, and the HKSAR government launched an extinction effort by killing more than 6,000 chickens.
 Sing Tao Daily, 2001.5.17
 
  • The latest report on political and economic risk indicates that among 12 Asian countries and areas, Hong Kong ascended one step to seventh place in overall environment.
 Oriental Daily News, 2001.5.17
2001.5.17 While taking part in a luncheon hosted by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Chief Executive Tung said that he was confident the government could resolve the three economic problems facing Hong Kong, including transformation of economic structure. He added he would spare no effort in holding a Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Taipei forum, when such a three-city forum would be held. Ta Kung Po, 2001.5.18
2001.5.19 Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang, leading a delegation of 132 business representatives, visited Xi'an, Beijing, Chengdu, and Ulumuqi from May 20-29.  
2001.5.21
  • The Hong Kong Policy Research Institute said in a recent survey that Hong Kong people's confidence in the stock market increased 42% from April, while confidence in the real estate market rose by 23%.
 Ta Kung Po, 2001.5.22
  • Chief Executive Tung said the Falun Gong contains the basic elements of an evil cult, and was a combination of religious and political problem. Whether to ban the Falun Gong should depend on its activities in Hong Kong, he added. However, he said it would be too late to handle it once the Falun Gong stages some activities
 Hong Kong Economic Daily, 2001.5.22
2001.5.22
  • Secretary for Security Regina Ip admitted that the HKSAR government had a "blacklist" with names to be rejected from entry into Hong Kong. She refused to disclose the principle used in drawing up this list.
 Hong Kong Economic Journal, 2001.5.23
  • Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang admitted for the first time that Hong Kong economy this year would achieve only between 3% to 4% growth.
 Min Pao, 2001.5.23
  • While the Legislative Council was debating the Chief Executive Election Ordinance (bill), the HKSAR government had presented revisions to allow the Beijing government to recall the Chief Executive "under any other situation" other than those regulated under the Basic Law. The revision had been strongly criticized by many councilors.
 Ta Kung Po, 2001.5.23
2001.5.23
  • Chief Executive Tung said Hong Kong's economic growth this year would be between 3% and 3.5%.
 Min Pao, 2001.5.24
  • Secretary for Security Regina Ip noted that there was no plan to map out an anti-cult bill, but the government had done studies on the handling of evil cults in the European Union and France.
 Hong Kong Economic Journal, 2001.5.24
2001.5.24 The spokesman of the HKSAR Economic Services Bureau said that Taiwan and Hong Kong aviation companies were prepared to renew the aviation agreement. But, he said, this did not mean the previous terms and conditions would be retained or altered. Hong Kong Economic Journal, 2001.5.25
2001.5.28 The Court of Final Appeal started hearings on about 5,000 people's right-of-abode. Geoffrey Robertson, QC, on behalf of the appellants criticized the Chief Executive for backtracking on his commitment to the rule of law by nullifying the decisions by the Court of Final Appeal. Sing Tao Daily, 2001.5.29
2001.5.29
  • The spokesman of the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Beijing had rejected a port-of-call visit to Hong Kong by U.S. minesweeper Inchon from June 28 to July 3.
 Sun Daily, 2001.5.30
  • Chief Secretary Donald Tsang returned from a 10-day visit to western Mainland provinces. His delegation signed cooperation agreements valued at about 2 billion yuan.
 Hong Kong Economic Daily, 2001.5.30
  • In the case of abode-seekers, the lawyer on behalf of the applicants said the HKSAR government turned back on its commitments and negated the "case law system" of the Hong Kong judicial system. This not only caused the plaintiffs to forfeit their right-of-abode, but also damaged the credibility of the entire court system.
 Hong Kong Economic Journal, 2001.5.30
2001.5.30
  • The Asia Television and TVB news departments adjusted their way of reporting political news of Taiwan, calling President Chen Shui-bian a Taiwan leader in a move clearly under political pressure.
 Oriental Daily News, 2001.5.31
  • In the case of abode-seekers, senior lawyer Gladys Li on behalf of the plaintiff said HKSAR government officials should be held responsible for having made statements and explanations of certain policies that had already created "legal expectations" among people. Should policy change later, or government officials' explanation run against the policy intent, the government should compensate for the loss people incur by believing the officials' statements.
 Hong Kong Economic Journal, 2001.5.31