Remarks by LegCo President on conclusion of nomination period for LegCo General Election at media session
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
Following is the remarks by the President of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Mr Andrew Leung, at a media briefing at the LegCo Complex today (November 6):
The nomination period for the General Election of the Eighth Legislative Council ends today (November 6), (with) over 160 young and promising contestants. All the contestants are patriots who love Hong Kong and have shown their commitments, capabilities and aspirations. They come from all walks of life, with diverse backgrounds and distinct strengths, but share the same devotion to Hong Kong's development and to the best interests of the people. With their professional experiences in different sectors, I believe they will bring a new paradigm for the Eighth LegCo.
We are delighted to see that the upcoming election remains highly competitive. Same as the previous LegCo election, all 90 seats in each constituency are contested. The competitions in some constituencies are fiercer than in the last election. No one would receive the so-called "special blessing" as all contestants start on the same starting line and compete on the basis of their abilities, policy platforms and their dedication to serving the society, delivering a high-quality and civil election.
The election will enable every contestant to know better the public expectation on LegCo and the concerns of the citizens of Hong Kong. By bringing their voices into the Legislature, it will make both the LegCo and Government's governance more down-to-earth and aligned with the overall interests of the country and Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is now at a critical juncture filled with opportunities and challenges. The Seventh LegCo has delivered an impressive result in promoting Hong Kong's economic development and people's livelihood. Built on this high standard, I firmly believe the Eighth LegCo will do a better job and yield more fruitful results!
LegCo is an important part of the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region)'s governing team, bearing important responsibilities for enhancing the capability and effectiveness of the governance. Members of the Eighth LegCo are charged with heavy responsibilities for speaking on behalf of the people and promoting good governance. They also need to help all sectors of Hong Kong to seize opportunities and further integrate into the national development under the 15th Five-Year Plan.
The upcoming election is not only an important milestone for advancing high-quality democratic development but also a key moment for all Hong Kong people to choose and create a better future. Although I am not running for re-election, I will fully support the upcoming General Election. A smooth conduct of the election in an open, fair, just, safe and orderly manner is of paramount importance.
LegCo election has always been a major event in the constitutional development of the Hong Kong SAR. The Legislature has returned to rationality and there is no longer internal strife. Our work seems to be easier, but every vote counts in the election. I urge all voters to fulfill their civic responsibility and cast their ballots on December 7 to elect your representatives in LegCo.
Today, Dora, the Secretary General of the LegCo Secretariat, and I have issued a letter to all Members and their staff, as well as all staff of the Secretariat, urging them to vote. It is our duty to lead by example, taking concrete actions to show support for the LegCo election and demonstrating our commitment to Hong Kong SAR's future!
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Source: AI-found images
Swimming pool complexes to open from April 1 for new swimming season
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (March 31) that for the upcoming swimming season, 44 public swimming pool complexes will open for public use tomorrow (April 1). Individual swimming pools to be temporarily closed in specified periods in 2026 for maintenance works are set out in the Annex. Swimmers should mind their safety, care for themselves and others, and keep the swimming pools clean and hygienic while enjoying the fun of swimming.
From April to October, LCSD swimming pools will open daily from 6.30am to 10pm in three sessions with two one-hour breaks. Mui Wo Swimming Pool will open daily from 8.30am to 6pm in two sessions (and in one session from 7pm to 10pm on Fridays (Note)).
For the 19 pool complexes with both heated and non-heated swimming facilities, the heated facilities will continue to open from April 1 to 15. The non-heated facilities will open for public use from April 16.
The 19 swimming pool complexes are:
Hong Kong Island:
District |
Swimming Pool Complex |
-------- |
----------------------- |
Central and Western |
Kennedy Town Swimming Pool |
Wan Chai |
Morrison Hill Swimming Pool |
Kowloon:
District |
Swimming Pool Complex |
-------- |
----------------------- |
Kowloon City |
Ho Man Tin Swimming Pool |
Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool |
Wong Tai Sin |
Hammer Hill Road Swimming Pool |
Morse Park Swimming Pool |
Kwun Tong |
Kwun Tong Swimming Pool |
Sham Shui Po |
Lai Chi Kok Park Swimming Pool |
Yau Tsim Mong |
Kowloon Park Swimming Pool |
New Territories:
District |
Swimming Pool Complex |
-------- |
----------------------- |
Islands |
Tung Chung Swimming Pool |
North |
Fanling Swimming Pool |
Sha Tin |
Hin Tin Swimming Pool |
Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool |
Tsuen Wan |
Shing Mun Valley Swimming Pool |
Tuen Mun |
Tuen Mun Swimming Pool |
Tuen Mun North West Swimming Pool |
Yuen Long |
Yuen Long Swimming Pool |
Tin Sau Road Swimming Pool |
Sai Kung |
Tseung Kwan O Swimming Pool |
To maintain the hygiene of public swimming pools, each pool will be closed for a thorough cleaning once a week, in addition to the regular daily cleaning. The thorough cleaning will be conducted on a designated weekday (Monday to Friday) from 10am to the end of the second session. If the designated day falls on a public holiday, the cleaning will be rescheduled to another weekday in the same week.
To ensure a clean environment for public swimming pools, swimmers should maintain personal hygiene and observe the pool rules, including the following points:
(a) Swimmers should shower before entering the pool deck;
(b) Swimmers should walk through the shower bath and footbath;
(c) Swimmers should not go swimming if they feel unwell and should seek medical consultation early;
(d) Swimmers are advised to use the toilet before swimming and should not urinate or defecate in the pools. They should leave the water immediately and use the toilet if they have to vomit; and
(e) Parents should teach their children about the importance of maintaining personal and public hygiene.
Holders of the public swimming pool monthly ticket are encouraged to apply for monthly ticket smart cards, which are printed with the card holder's photo and preloaded with information on the validity period. The smart cards enable holders to enter the pools easily and conveniently without having to produce documentary proof of identity. Interested monthly ticket holders can apply for smart cards free of charge. For details, please visit the webpage www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro/swim-ticket.html.
For details of the opening arrangements and the schedule of the weekly cleaning operations of public swimming pools, please visit the webpagewww.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro/swimlocation.html.
Note: Mui Wo Swimming Pool will open from 8.30am to 6pm in two sessions on April 3 (public holiday).
Source: AI-found images
