Remarks by S for S at media session on Lai Chee-ying case
Following are the remarks made by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a mediasession on the Lai Chee-ying case this afternoon (December 15):
Reporter: Firstly, regarding the verdict of this case, does this mean the cases surrounding Apple Daily have officially concluded and there will be no more prosecution in this regard? Secondly, regarding this case attracting heavy international media and political attention, are you worried that this verdict will draw further international sanctions towards Hong Kong, particularly from US President Donald Trump? Thank you.
Secretary for Security: First of all, I do not comment on individual suspects or organisations. For whatever criminal cases, including those relating to national security, if we have evidence, we will arrest (those suspects). If we have sufficient evidence, we will prosecute (suspects). No one is above the law. Regarding the international concerns of this case, I think a lot of foreign consulate staff attending the trial throughout are the witnesses of how open and fair this trial is.
I think this illustrates these kinds of activities, happening in any country, if someone uses the media to try to overturn a regime, I think this is not bearable by every government. I think this case illustrates how safe Hong Kong is and how we are able to interdict all the national security concerns and all the attempts to affect the national security. I think this is a good showcase to show that Hong Kong is safe and it is safe to do investments in Hong Kong.
Reporter: How do you make sure today's verdict does not affect freedom of the press in Hong Kong?
Secretary for Security: First of all, the verdict states very clearly that this is nothing to do with the freedom of press in this case. It is solely because of Lai Chee-ying's utilising of Apple Daily as a platform to advocate his hatred against the Government and his plot to try to overturn our CPG's (Central People's Government) regime.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Lai Chee-ying, Photo source: AP news
Hong Kong Customs to publicise Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime at jewellery exhibition
Hong Kong Customs will set up a booth at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, to be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), from tomorrow (March 4) for five consecutive days to publicise the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime (Regime), and will provide on-site counter services to assist non-Hong Kong dealers in submitting cash transaction reports during their participation in the exhibition.
According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs and fulfil his/her anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing statutory obligations as appropriate.All dealers in precious metals and stones must successfully obtain a relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.
For non-Hong Kong dealers fulfilling the prescribed conditions (including those who come to Hong Kong to participate in exhibitions), although they are exempt from registration, they are required to submit to Hong Kong Customs a cash transaction report for any cash transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 carried out in Hong Kong within one day after the transaction, or before the dealer or the person acting on behalf of the dealer leaves Hong Kong, whichever is earlier.
Non-Hong Kong dealers can make an online submission of a cash transaction report via the Regime's webpage atwww.drs.customs.gov.hkby accessing the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System. Details of the submission procedures are set out at www.drs.customs.gov.hk/download/drsform/Information%20Sheet%20-%20Submission%20of%20Cash%20Transaction%20Report%20by%20using%20DRS.pdf.
Non-Hong Kong dealers can also download the related form atwww.drs.customs.gov.hk/download/drsform/CED418_Form%208_Cash%20transaction%20report.pdfand then submit the report in person at Hong Kong Customs' booth in the exhibition.
The Hong Kong Customs' booth (Booth 1C-C18) is located at HKCEC Hall 1C and will be open from 10.30am to 6.30pm on March 4, from 10am to 6.30pm between March 5 and 7, and from 10am to 5.30pm on March 8.
Dealers can visit the website (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html) for more information about the Regime.
Hong Kong Customs to publicise Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime at jewellery exhibition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
