Latest news with #Hong Kong government
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong police force needs more officers from ethnic minority groups
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Advertisement The Hong Kong government, as the city's largest employer with more than 170,000 civil servants, has a pivotal responsibility to promote inclusive employment practices. However, the representation of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds within the civil service remains alarmingly low; we estimate it to be substantially below their 4 per cent share of Hong Kong's population (excluding foreign domestic helpers). This disparity is particularly pronounced in the police force, where representation from these backgrounds is very rare among officers. Such underrepresentation not only undermines the principle of inclusivity but also disregards the invaluable skills these communities contribute to Hong Kong society. One significant barrier to entry is the stringent Chinese language requirement for police recruitment. While basic proficiency in Cantonese is a reasonable expectation for the performance of frontline duties, the current examination criteria extend well beyond practical needs. The test places undue emphasis on advanced vocabulary, grammatical corrections and complex sentence structures. This disproportionate focus on written Chinese disadvantages capable candidates who possess fluency in multiple languages and other essential skills necessary for effective police work. Hong Kong prides itself on being a global metropolis where multilingualism should be embraced as an asset rather than a liability. Many people from diverse ethnic backgrounds are fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and other languages, which could significantly enhance community policing and public engagement. Unfortunately, the current system magnifies perceived weaknesses – specifically in written Chinese – while overlooking the strengths that multilingual candidates bring to the table. Advertisement It is imperative for the government to reform recruitment assessments to ensure they are relevant, fair and aligned with the actual requirements of the job. Distinguishing between testing functional language skills and demanding academic-level proficiency is crucial. Furthermore, multilingualism should be recognised as a significant advantage rather than dismissed.
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong condemns US for extending ‘national emergency' status for city
The Hong Kong government has condemned the United States for extending the city's 'national emergency' status for a year, saying the action overrides the rule of law with politics. 'The US has blatantly and repeatedly breached international law and the basic norms underpinning international relations, and vainly interfered with the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong matters by extending again the so-called 'national emergency with respect to Hong Kong',' a government spokesman said. 'Such an act is arbitrary and unreasonable.' The US had once again been 'overriding the rule of law with politics, and wantonly smearing, by despicable political manoeuvres' the work of the administration in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, the government added. US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday a one-year extension of the 'national emergency' status. A presidential document said: 'The situation with respect to Hong Kong, including recent actions taken by the People's Republic of China to fundamentally undermine Hong Kong's autonomy, continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.'
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong government to offer just 1 residential plot for sale in current quarter
Hong Kong's government will release a mid-size plot for sale in its fiscal second quarter, continuing its tight grip on land supply as the city's residential property market grapples with a glut that has forced developers to slash prices to find buyers. Advertisement A plot measuring 6,500 square metres (70,000 sq ft) at the junction of Wing Shun Street and Texaco Road in Tsuen Wan in the western part of New Territories will be made available via tender in the July to September quarter, enough to provide about 780 average-sized flats, according to the Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho. About 940 square metres have to be set aside for social welfare facilities. 'The overall real estate market is slowly moving upwards, with an increase in the number of transactions and an active rental market,' Linn said during a press conference on Friday, adding that she did not rule out the possibility of launching large-scale sites, but that would depend on the prevailing conditions. Ho said the current residential supply was stable, with six projects set to complete their lease modifications in the fiscal second quarter, providing another 4,170 units. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn speaks to media on Friday. Photo: Jonathan Wong The total private housing land supply in the fiscal second quarter will support building 4,950 units, taking the total to 6,000 in the first half of the financial year – 45 per cent of the annual target.
