The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (March 10) strongly condemned anti-China organisation the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation for blatantly requesting the United States (US) to impose so-called "sanctions" on the officials of the Central Government and the HKSAR, in particular those taking part in the Basic Law Article 23 legislation, and smearing the Safeguarding National Security Bill (the Bill). The act of the CFHK Foundation may constitute the offence of "collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security" under Article 29 of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

     A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "The Bill is now under scrutiny of the Bills Committee of the Legislative Council. The CFHK Foundation attempted to collude with a foreign country or with external elements, and blatantly clamoured at this juncture for so-called 'sanctions' against dutiful officials of the Central and HKSAR governments with a view to intimidating them, completely ignoring the due legislative procedures of the HKSAR and fully demonstrating its despicable intention. The HKSAR Government strongly condemned the Foundation."

     The spokesman pointed out that wanted person Hui Wing-ting is a core member of the CFHK Foundation. The Foundation has initiated a number of anti-China campaigns, including requesting the imposition of so-called "sanctions" on officials of the Central and HKSAR governments as well as closure of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in the US. The Foundation's earlier claim emphasising that it was not anti-China is obviously untrue. Members of the public should discern facts from fallacies.

     The acts of the CFHK Foundation also demonstrated the necessity of the measures in the Bill proposing to target absconders charged with offences endangering national security, including the prohibition against making available funds to, or dealing with funds of, an absconder, as well as cancellation of HKSAR passport. Moreover, it is also necessary to protect persons handling cases or work concerning national security, enabling the relevant officers to handle work for safeguarding national security without worries, thereby buttressing and strengthening the enforcement forces for safeguarding security.

     "As a matter of fact, the Bill has stipulated that one of the fundamental principles in legislating for safeguarding national security is to respect and protect human rights. It expressly provides that the rights and freedoms enjoyed under the Basic Law and the provisions of the two international covenants on human rights as applied to the HKSAR, are to be protected in accordance with the law. The HKSAR Government will continue to safeguard national security fearlessly and complete the legislative work as soon as possible. The earlier we complete the legislative work, the sooner we can guard against national security risks," the spokesman said.

The following is issued on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Board:

     The Liquor Licensing Board will meet on Tuesday (March 12) to consider two applications for renewal of liquor licences.
      
     The applications are (not in order of discussion): 
 
Kowloon:
—————
Hong Kong Harbour Restaurant in Sham Shui Po

New Territories:
—————
CHUEN KEE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT in Sai Kung
     
     The meeting will be held at 9.45am in the conference room, Room 102, 1/F, 258 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

     A woman who went missing in Yuen Long has been located.

     To Yuen-wa, aged 33, went missing after she left her residence on Hop Yick Road on March 7 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police on March 8.

     The woman was located in MTR Lok Fu Station yesterday morning (March 9). She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 10) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Transport Department today (March 10) reminded members of the public that the 22nd round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (March 11) to 11.59pm on March 14, and the ballot result will be announced on March 15.
      
     Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated date and time randomly allocated by the computer system.