Suspected theft case involving personal data held by FEHD
A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (January 2) that the department attaches utmost importance on a suspected theft case of document files and has reported the incident to the Police for follow-up. Since the files contain personal data, the department has immediately contacted all the data subjects affected to offer its apologies and appeal for their heightened vigilance.
The incident involves two internal document files stored at the Kowloon City District Environmental Hygiene Office. These files contained records of public complaints against environmental nuisances in the district, including the names and contact information (telephone numbers or email addresses) of approximately 100 complainants.
The spokesman said, "The office area concerned is access-controlled by a digital lock and also has an independent door lock. As the incident may involve criminal act of theft, the FEHD has reported the case to the Police for follow-up and will fully co-operate with the investigation. The FEHD has also notified the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, and notified the data subjects affected by the incident."
The spokesman for the FEHD stressed, "The department offered its apologies to those affected. The FEHD attaches great importance to the security of personal data, and has laid down clear internal guidelines and control mechanism to ensure compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and other relevant laws and ordinances. Staff members are also regularly reminded to adhere to these guidelines and provisions. While the case is believed to be an isolated incident, the department will take stringent action should the investigation reveal any negligence or mishandling by any officer. The FEHD will also review the current personal data security measures to ensure effective protection of the personal data it collects."
HKSAR Government strongly disapproves of and opposes certain US House of Representatives politicians' so-called "resolution" blatantly shielding national security offenders and interfering in Hong Kong affairs
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (December 5) strongly condemned certain United States (US) House of Representatives politicians for attempting to use a so-called "resolution" to make absurd and fact-twisting comments on the case involving Lai Chee-ying endangering national security, as well as his custodial arrangements, with the intention to pervert the course of justice. Such so-called "resolution" attacks and smears the HKSAR's situation regarding its high degree of autonomy under the "one country, two systems", safeguarding national security, and protecting human rights. The HKSAR Government expressed strong opposition and dissatisfaction, and must sternly denounce such acts to set the record straight.
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said: "The HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that as the legal proceedings of Lai Chee-ying's case involving the Hong Kong National Security Law are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the case in an attempt to interfere with the court to exercise judicial power independently, which might otherwise constitute perverting the course of justice. Yet, certain US politicians have introduced the so-called 'resolution' under the pretext of human rights, democracy and freedom to blatantly comment on the case. This is an obvious attempt to exert pressure on the courts of the HKSAR, completely disregarding the spirit of the rule of law. Moreover, the so-called 'resolution' baselessly alleges that Lai Chee-ying has been subjected to inhumane treatment in custody, while turning a blind eye to various human rights violations occurring domestically in the US, is in fact blatant hypocrisy and double standard."
The spokesman stressed, "The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, paying no regard to their political stance, background or occupation of the person or organisation involved. In this regard, the claim made in the so-called 'resolution' that Lai Chee-ying has been targeted by the HKSAR authorities because of his political views and participation in public interest issues (including democracy and human rights topics) is completely untrue. The HKSAR Government must solemnly point out that the suggestion that any persons or organisations with certain backgrounds should be immune from legal sanctions for their illegal acts and activities is tantamount to granting such persons privileges to break the law. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the relevant US politicians to respect the fundamental principles of the rule of law and judicial independence and immediately cease their despicable political manipulations that distort facts and glorify criminal acts."
"On the other hand, the HKSAR Government has also publicly stated on numerous occasions that the medical services received by Lai Chee-ying in custody are adequate and comprehensive. 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, as well as timely medical support. During an earlier public court hearing, senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying clearly presented to the court that the correctional institutions had been arranging daily medical checkups for Lai Chee-ying and that there had been no complaints at all regarding the medical services he was receiving, and the Court commended the CSD. As for the arrangement for Lai Chee-ying's removal from association from other PICs (i.e. the so-called 'solitary confinement'), it has all along been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law."
Regarding the attacks and smears made by the so-called "resolution" on the HKSAR's high degree of autonomy under "one country, two systems", safeguarding national security, as well as protection of human rights, the spokesman emphasised: "The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China, is a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under 'one country, two systems', and directly under the Central People's Government. The legal basis for implementing 'one country, two systems' comprises the Constitution and the Basic Law, which provide constitutional guarantee for fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to equality before the law, and is buttressed by the rule of law and independent judicial power."
"The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to the highest principle of 'one country, two systems'. The laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR are precisely for safeguarding national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; and ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the principle of 'one country, two systems' under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. It will also better safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms. The HKSAR Government will continue to resolutely and effectively prevent, suppress, and punish acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems'. The HKSAR Government once again strongly urges relevant US politicians to discern facts from fallacies, respect the international law and basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs."
