75-547: The Civil Human Rights Front ( CHRF ) was an organisation that focused on the issues of Hong Kong politics and livelihood, affiliated with almost all pan-democratic camps in Hong Kong . It was founded on 13 September 2002 and disbanded on 15 August 2021. Forty-eight NGOs and political groups were involved in the organisation in January 2006. The most well-known event held by the CHRF was
150-721: A framework of a political system dominated by its quasi-constitutional document, the Hong Kong Basic Law , its own legislature , the Chief Executive as the head of government and of the Special Administrative Region and of a politically constrained multi-party presidential system . The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is led by
225-596: A high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign affairs and defence, which are responsibilities of the PRC government. In accordance with Article 31 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China , Hong Kong's Special Administrative Region status provides constitutional guarantees for implementing the policy of " one country, two systems ". According to the Sino-British Joint Declaration (1984) and
300-463: A pay freeze imposed in 2012, resulting in its increase to HK$ 4.61 million ($ 591,000). In July 2017, directors of bureaux (DoBs) were approved to have a 12.4% pay rise and the 3.5% pay differential between secretaries of departments (SoDs) and DoBs remained, indicating a new annual pay of approximately HK$ 5 million for the city's leading role because the Chief Executive received a salary of 112% of
375-400: A pay freeze imposed on the chief executive and senior civil servants in 2012, he was accused of granting himself a pay rise by stealth and going against the trend of top politicians taking pay cuts instead of pay increases. In July 2021, Carrie Lam refused to remove the legal immunity of the chief executive in anti-bribery legislation, stating that the officeholder has to be accountable to
450-399: A possible run up for the 2007 Chief Executive election, though she dismissed having a personal interest in standing for the next election. In an attempt to win last minute votes from moderate pro-democracy lawmakers, the government amended its reform package on 19 December 2005 by proposing a gradual cut in the number of district council members appointed by the Chief Executive. Their number
525-414: A strong message to hesitant pro-democracy legislators to follow public opinion. The pro-government camp claimed to have collected 700,000 signatures on a petition backing Tsang's reform package. This number, however, was widely seen as too small to influence pro-democracy lawmakers. The Reform Package debate saw the return of key political figure and former Chief Secretary Anson Chan , raising speculations of
600-515: Is John Lee selected as chief executive in the 2022 election , appointed by the Chinese State Council with the designation decree signed by Premier Li Keqiang on 30 May 2022 and took office on 1 July 2022. Lee is the fifth Chief Executive; each of his four predecessors are still living. According to article 44 of the Basic Law, the chief executive must be a Chinese citizen as defined by
675-402: Is provided to discharge promotional and protocol-related functions. Depending on police risk assessment, personal security protection is provided. Former Chief Executives also enjoy medical and dental care. Former Chief Executives hold the title "The Honourable", and ranks third in the Hong Kong order of precedence . Remuneration for the chief executive of Hong Kong is among the highest in
750-608: Is the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal . While Hong Kong retains the common law system, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China has the power of final interpretation of national laws affecting Hong Kong, including the Basic Law, and its opinions are therefore binding on Hong Kong courts on a prospective and often retrospective basis and may not be in line with common law principles. According to
825-589: The Basic Law . The Election Committee is responsible for the nomination of chief executive candidates and election of the chief executive-elect. Under the 2021 Hong Kong electoral changes initiated by the National People's Congress , each candidate running for chief executive elections is to be nominated by at least 188 members of the Election Committee , before their eligibility is reviewed and confirmed by
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#1732841706160900-457: The Chief Executive , the head of government . The Basic Law , Hong Kong's constitutional document, was approved in March 1990 by National People's Congress of China, and entered into force on 1 July 1997, when sovereignty of Hong Kong was transferred to China (PRC), ending over one and a half centuries of British rule . Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the PRC with
975-607: The Chief Secretary . The new salary of Chief Executive of Hong Kong is about thirty-nine times more than the annual salary of President of China . Since the chief executive is directly appointed by the Central People's Government of China after an election by a committee of 1,500 people selected by the Chinese Government, rather than the general population, many people, in particular the pro-democrats , have criticised
1050-583: The Chief Secretary for Administration , the most senior official and head of the Government Secretariat , in charge of overseeing the administration of the Government. The Chief Executive holds the title " The Honourable ", and ranks first in the Hong Kong order of precedence . The official residence of the chief executive is Government House in Central , Hong Kong Island . The current chief executive
1125-581: The Civil Service Bureau issued the report requested by Donald Tsang, where they admitted that they had neglected to consider Leung's role in the Hung Hom Peninsula affair. Donald Tsang asked the SCS to reassess the approval, and submit a report to him. New World Development announced in the early hours of 16 August that Leung had resigned from his post, without any compensation from either side or from
1200-684: The Election Committee without first obtaining nominations from one eighth of its total members. The specific method for selecting the chief executive is prescribed in Annex I of the Basic Law. The Election Committee shall be composed of 1500 members from the following sectors pursuant to the amended Annex I under the 2021 Hong Kong electoral changes initiated by the National People's Congress . The Election Committee consists of individuals (i.e. private citizens) and representatives of bodies (i.e. special interest groups or corporate bodies) selected or elected by 40 prescribed sub-sectors as stipulated in Annex I to
1275-682: The Election Committee , with nomination by at least 15 members of each sector of the Election Committee. Candidacy is confirmed upon review and confirmation of eligibility by the Candidate Qualification Review Committee, according to opinions issued by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the basis of a review by the National Security Department of
1350-416: The Hong Kong 1 July marches . Civil Human Rights Front was founded on 13 September 2002, with the aim to provide a platform consolidating voices and powers from various groups and spectrum of the societies in order to advance the development in the human and civil rights movements. The initial aim was to focus on the enactment of the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law . After the protest in 2003 ,
1425-568: The Hong Kong Police Force on whether a candidate meets the legal requirements and conditions of upholding the Basic Law and swearing allegiance to the HKSAR of the People's Republic of China . The Chief Executive-designate is then returned by the Election Committee with an absolute majority in a two-round system: the chief executive-designate is to be returned with an absolutely majority (>750 valid votes) 1. more than 2 candidates obtain
1500-718: The Legislative Council , and bestowing honours . The Basic Law grants the chief executive a wide range of powers, but obliges him or her, before making important policy decisions, introducing bills to the Legislative Council, making subsidiary legislation, and dissolving the Legislative Council, to act only after consultation with the Executive Council (all of whose members are the CE's own appointees). The executive council consists of official and non-official members, including
1575-499: The Legislative Council , deciding on government policies, advising appointment and dismissal of principal officials of the Government of Hong Kong to the Central People's Government of China , appointing judges and holders of certain public offices and to pardon or commute sentences. The position is also responsible for the policy address made to the public. The chief executive's powers and functions are established by article 48 of
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#17328417061601650-545: The Legislative Council of Hong Kong to trigger a by-election in response to the lack of progress in the move towards universal suffrage. Chief Executive of Hong Kong High Court District Court Magistrates' Court Special courts and tribunals: Chief Executive Elections Legislative elections District council elections Consular missions in Hong Kong Hong Kong–China relations Hong Kong–Taiwan relations The chief executive of
1725-420: The Sino-British Joint Declaration (1984), Hong Kong was to retain its political, economic and judicial systems and unique way of life and continue to participate in international agreements and organisations as a dependent territory for at least 50 years after retrocession . The International Olympic Committee has recognised Hong Kong as a participating nation under the name, "Hong Kong, China", separate from
1800-501: The chief secretary for administration , the financial secretary or the secretary for justice , by rotation, in that order, as acting chief executive. In case the position becomes vacant, a new chief executive would have to be selected. Prior to the handover in 1997 , the office of the chief executive-designate was at the seventh floor of the Asia Pacific Finance Tower. When Tung Chee-hwa assumed duty on 1 July 1997,
1875-463: The first selection of the chief executive, the committee consisted of only 400 members. It was expanded to 800 for the second term . As a result of enabling legislation stemming from a public consultation in 2010 , and its approval by the National People's Congress Standing Committee in Beijing, the number of representatives was increased from 800 to 1200. Following the electoral reform initiated by
1950-668: The handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China . The chief executive is head of the executive branch of the Hong Kong government. The functions of the chief executive include nominating principal officials for appointment by the State Council of China , which is headed by the premier , conducting foreign relations , appointing judges and other public officers, giving consent to legislation passed by
2025-463: The Basic Law to serve its need, that is, a two-year probation for Tsang, instead of a five-year term. On 4 December 2005, people in Hong Kong demonstrated against Sir Donald Tsang 's proposed reform package, before a vote on 21 December. According to the organisers, an estimated 250,000 turned out into the streets. The police supplied a figure of 63,000, and Michael de Golyer of Baptist University estimated between 70,000 and 100,000. The march sent
2100-475: The Basic Law, Hong Kong was to retain its political, economic and judicial systems and unique way of life and continue to participate in international agreements and organisations as a dependent territory for at least 50 years after retrocession . For instance, the International Olympic Committee has recognised Hong Kong as a participating nation under the name, "Hong Kong, China", separate from
2175-419: The Basic Law. The Executive Council of Hong Kong is an organ for assisting the chief executive in policy-making. The council is consulted before making important policy decisions, introducing bills to the Legislative Council, making subordinate legislation or dissolving the Legislative Council. Article 52 of the Basic Law stipulates that the Chief Executive must resign when: The Legislative Council has
2250-525: The Candidate Eligibility Review Committee of the HKSAR. The chief executive-designate is then returned by the Election Committee with an absolute majority. The Election Committee is now principally elected by body voters. The number of subsectors with individual votes were significantly reduced, together with elimination of mixed individual and body voting: Chief Executive candidates must receive nominations by at least 188 members of
2325-639: The Chief Executive's policy blueprint and agenda in an executive-led government. Donald Tsang described the appointments as a milestone in the development of Hong Kong's political appointment system. In June 2008 controversies arose with the disclosure of foreign passports and salaries. Pressure for disclosure continued to mount despite government insistence on the right of the individuals to privacy: on 10 June 2008, newly appointed Undersecretaries and political assistants, who had previously argued were contractually forbidden from disclosing their remuneration, revealed their salaries. The Government news release stated that
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2400-512: The Chief Executive. He referred to a survey in which more than half of the citizens of Hong Kong wanted direct elections by 2012. However, he said waiting for 2017 may be the best way to get two-thirds of the support of Legislative Council. End of December Donald Tsang announced that the NPC said, it planned to allow the 2017 Chief Executive Elections and the 2020 Legislative Council elections to take place by universal suffrage. In 2013, public concern
2475-513: The Chinese government in 2021 to increase mainland-Chinese controls on Hong Kong, the number of representatives was increased to 1500 but most are appointed or ex-officio seats. According to article 46 the term of office of the chief executive is five years with a maximum of two consecutive terms. If a vacancy occurs mid-term, the new Chief Executive's first term is for the remainder of the previous Chief Executive's term only. The method of selecting
2550-566: The Civil Service , Denise Yue Chung-yee , signed off on the approval for him to take up the job after his request passed through the vetting committee. Controversies surrounded not only the suspicions of Leung's own conflict of interest, but also of the insensitivity of the committee which recommended the approval for him to take up his lucrative new job less than two years after his official retirement. New World argued that they hired Leung in good faith after government clearance. On 15 August,
2625-509: The HKSAR Passports Ordinance. The individual must be at least 40 years old, a Hong Kong permanent resident who is a Chinese citizen with right of abode in Hong Kong , and has ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 20 years. Article 47 further requires that the chief executive be a person of integrity, dedicated to his or her duties. In addition, candidates are ineligible to stand for selection by
2700-619: The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is the representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and head of the Government of Hong Kong . The position was created to replace the office of Governor of Hong Kong , the representative of the Monarch of the United Kingdom during British colonial rule . The office, as stipulated by the Hong Kong Basic Law , formally came into being on 1 July 1997 with
2775-417: The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, permanent residents of Hong Kong are eligible to vote in direct elections for the 20 seats representing geographical constituencies. Some of the permanent residents who have specific occupational backgrounds are eligible to vote in the 30 seats from functional constituencies in the 90-seat, unicameral Legislative Council (LegCo). Within functional constituencies,
2850-470: The PRC with a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign affairs and defence, which are responsibilities of the PRC government. In accordance with Article 31 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China , Hong Kongs Special Administrative Region status provides constitutional guarantees for implementing the policy of " one country, two systems ". On 29 January 1999, the Court of Final Appeal,
2925-565: The US agency National Endowment for Democracy , which is illegal under the national security law as "colluding with foreign forces"; both, former convener Sham and current convener Chan denied the allegations. On the threat of disbandment, Chan said that "[F]or this reason, we will not and cannot disband, and I, as its convenor, am absolutely willing to live and die with the Front as long as there are still member groups that remain." On 6 January 2021, Jimmy Sham
3000-670: The annual platform for demanding universal suffrage, calling for observance and preservation of civil liberties such as free speech , venting dissatisfaction with the Hong Kong Government or the Chief Executive, rallying against actions of the Pro-Beijing camp. In 2003, the HKSAR Government proposed to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law by enacting national security bill against acts such as treason , subversion , secession and sedition . However, there were concerns that
3075-520: The appointees had "voluntarily disclosed their salaries, given the sustained public interest in the issue." On 16 July 2008, Donald Tsang announced some "extraordinary measures for extraordinary times", giving a total of HK$ 11 billion in inflation relief to help families' finances. Of which, the Employee Retraining levy on the employment of Foreign domestic helpers would be temporarily waived, at an estimated cost of $ HK2 billion. It
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3150-484: The chief executive is provided under Article 45 and Annex I of the Basic Law, and the Chief Executive Election Ordinance. Under the Basic Law the chief executive is the chief representative of the people of Hong Kong and is the head of the government of Hong Kong. The Chief Executive's powers and functions include leading the government, implementing the law, signing bills and budgets passed by
3225-402: The delegation from the People's Republic of China . In March 1990, the National People's Congress of China approved the Basic Law , Hong Kong's constitutional document, which entered into force on 1 July 1997, when sovereignty of Hong Kong was transferred to China (PRC). This ended over one and a half centuries of British rule . Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of
3300-408: The delegation from the People's Republic of China . The Economist Intelligence Unit rated Hong Kong a " Hybrid regime " in 2023. Since 2021, universal suffrage is only granted in elections for 20 out of 90 seats of the Legislative Council and 88 out of 470 seats of the district councils . The head of the government ( Chief Executive of Hong Kong ) is elected through an electoral college with
3375-534: The democratic development of Hong Kong by the democratic camp, and were criticised for lack of consultation with Hong Kong residents. On the other hand, the pro-government camp considered them to be in compliance with the legislative intent of the Basic Law and in line with the ' One country, two systems ' principle, and hoped that this would put an end to the controversies on development of political structure in Hong Kong. Mid December 2007 Chief Executive Sir Donald Tsang requested that Beijing allow direct elections for
3450-410: The effective date, leaving helpers in limbo. In July 2008, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung announced the waiver commencement date would be brought forward by one month. The Immigration Department would relax its 14-day re-employment requirement for helpers whose contracts expired. On 30 July, the Executive Council approved the measures. After widespread criticism of the situation,
3525-408: The franchise for the 30 seats is limited to about 230,000 voters in the other functional constituencies (mainly composed of business and professional sectors). The 1,500-member election committee of Hong Kong will vote for the remaining 40 seats to enter the Legislative Council as the sector of Election Committee. The Judiciary consists of a series of courts, of which the court of final adjudication
3600-540: The full powers of NPCSC to interpret the Basic Law was provided for in the Basic Law itself, some critics argued this undermined judicial independence . The Hong Kong 1 July March has been an annual protest rally led by the Civil Human Rights Front since the 1997 handover on the HKSAR establishment day . However, it was only in 2003 when it drew large public attention by opposing the bill of Article 23. It has become
3675-455: The government also conceded that maids having advanced renewal of contract would not be required to leave Hong Kong through the discretion exercised by the Director of Immigration , and employers would benefit from the waiver simply by renewing the contract within the two-year period, admitting that some employers could benefit from the waiver for up to 4 years. The administration's poor handling of
3750-414: The government, for the termination. The next day, Donald Tsang confirmed that Denise Yue would not have to resign. He was satisfied with her apology and with the explanations offered by her. Tsang ordered a committee, of which Yue was to be a member, to be set up to perform a sweeping review of the system to process applications for former civil servants. In January 2010, five pan-democrats resigned from
3825-428: The highest and the same no. of votes; or 2. no candidates win an absolute majority Then: The chief executive-designate must publicly disaffiliate with a political party within seven days of the election and must not become a member of a party during their term of office. The chief executive-designate is then appointed by the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China before taking office. In
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#17328417061603900-432: The highest judicial authority in Hong Kong interpreted several Articles of the Basic Law , in such a way that the Government estimated would allow 1.6 million Mainland China immigrants to enter Hong Kong within ten years. This caused widespread concerns among the public on the social and economic consequences. While some in the legal sector advocated that the National People's Congress (NPC) should be asked to amend
3975-524: The legislation would infringe upon human rights by introducing the mainland's concept of "national security" into the HKSAR. Together with the general dissatisfaction with the Tung administration, about 500,000 people participated in this protest. Article 23 enactment was "temporarily suspended". Towards the end of 2003, the focus of political controversy shifted to the dispute of how subsequent Chief Executives get elected. The Basic Law's Article 45 stipulates that
4050-404: The length of the term of the Chief Executive. To most local legal professionals, the length is obviously five years, under whatever circumstances. It should also be noted that the wording of the Basic Law on the term of the Chief Executive is substantially different from the articles in the PRC constitution concerning the length of term of the president, premier, etc. Nonetheless, legal experts from
4125-412: The mainland said it is a convention a successor will only serve the remainder of the term if the position is vacant because the predecessor resigned. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress affirmed that the successor would only serve the remainder of the term. Many in Hong Kong saw this as having an adverse impact on one country, two systems, as the Central People's Government interpret
4200-424: The majority of its members elected by a limited number of voters mainly within business and professional sectors. The Chief Executive (CE) is the head of the special administrative region, and is also the highest-ranking official in the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and is the head of the executive branch. The Chief Executive is elected by a 1200-member Election Committee drawn mostly from
4275-448: The matter was heavily criticised. The administrative credibility and competence were called into question by journals from all sides of the political spectrum, and by helpers and employers alike. In August 2008, the appointment of Leung Chin-man as deputy managing director and executive director of New World China Land , subsidiary of New World Development (NWD), was greeted with uproar amidst widespread public suspicion that job offer
4350-681: The office as undemocratic , and have criticised the entire election process as a "small-circle election." Former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa has even stated that the election's result is a non-binding one, saying that the Chinese government would refuse to appoint the winning candidate if that person was unacceptable to them. Many events , including the Five Constituencies Referendum in 2010, Umbrella Revolution in 2014 and Anti-Extradition Movement during 2019–20, have attempted to push for greater democracy and universal suffrage . In January 2015, when Leung Chun-Ying reversed
4425-782: The office of the chief executive moved to the low block of the new Central Government Complex in Tamar . Government House continues to serve as the official residence of the Chief Executive. Upon retirement, former Chief Executives have access to office space at the Office of Former Chief Executives, 28 Kennedy Road . The office provides administrative support to former Chief Executives to perform promotional, protocol-related, or any other activities in relation to their former official role. The activities include receiving visiting dignitaries and delegations, giving local and overseas media interviews, and taking part in speaking engagements. A chauffeur-driven car
4500-596: The office of the chief executive was located at the fifth floor of the Former Central Government Offices (Main Wing). In the past the governor had his office at Government House . Tung did not use Government House as the primary residence because he lived at his own residence at Grenville House . Donald Tsang decided to return to the renovated Government House during his first term , and moved in on 12 January 2006, for both his office and residence. In 2011,
4575-649: The organisation started to diversify its mandate, to include issues such as equal opportunities and authorities given to the police . Since 2017 they have been lobbying the Hong Kong government through the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process as one of the main Hong Kong UPR Coalition Steering Committee members alongside Justice Centre Hong Kong , PEN Hong Kong , and Hong Kong Watch . In April 2020, then-vice-convener, also known as co-convener of
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#17328417061604650-465: The organisation was questioned by pro-Beijing media as to whether it had a right to exist under the current security laws. In March 2021, the Democratic Party and the teachers' union withdrew from the Front. Convener Figo Chan confirmed this but did not explain further. Also in the same month, a Singaporean newspaper quoted officials from the Hong Kong government saying that the Front was funded by
4725-510: The organisation, Figo Chan, was arrested as part of a crackdown on pro-democracy activists who organised and participated in unlawful assemblies. In May 2020, he appeared before the West Kowloon magistrates' court and was granted bail. There, he said that "demonstrating is not a crime". After the charging of 47 pro-democracy activists and politicians under the national security law (including the indictment of former convener Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit ),
4800-561: The part of the Basic Law to redress the problem, the Government of Hong Kong (HKSAR) decided to seek an interpretation to, rather than an amendment of, the relevant Basic Law provisions from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC). in June 1999, the NPCSC issued an interpretation in favour of the Hong Kong Government thereby overturning parts of the court decision. While
4875-416: The power to propose a motion of impeachment of the chief executive for decision by the Central People's Government of China , with the following steps as stipulated in article 73(9) of the Basic Law : The acting and succession line is spelled out in article 53. If the chief executive is not able to discharge his or her duties for short periods (such as during overseas visits), the duties would be assumed by
4950-461: The ultimate goal is universal suffrage ; when and how to achieve that goal, however, remains open but controversial. Under the Basic Law, electoral law could be amended to allow for this as soon as 2007 (Hong Kong Basic Law Annex .1, Sect.7). Arguments over this issue seemed to be responsible for a series of mainland Chinese newspapers commentaries in February 2004 which stated that power over Hong Kong
5025-462: The voters in the functional constituencies but also from religious organisations and municipal and central government bodies. The CE is legally appointed by the Premier of the People's Republic of China . The Executive Council , the top policy organ of the executive government that advises on policy matters, is entirely appointed by the Chief Executive. In accordance with Article 26 of the Basic Law of
5100-453: The world for a political leader , and only second to that of the prime minister of Singapore . The pay level took a cue from the handsome amounts paid to the city's colonial governors – worth $ 273,000 per annum plus perks in 1992. In 2005, Tung Chee Hwa received some HK$ 3 million ($ 378,500) in pay as Chief Executive. From 2009 until the end of 2014, the salary for the job stood at HK$ 4.22 million. In January 2015, Leung Chun-Ying reversed
5175-514: Was a quid pro quo for the favours he allegedly granted to NWD. Leung was seen to have been involved with the sale of the Hung Hom Peninsula Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) public housing estate to NWD at under-value in 2004. After a 12-month 'sterilisation period' after retirement, Leung submitted an application to the government on 9 May for approval to take up employment with New World China Land. The Secretary for
5250-843: Was arrested along dozens others amidst a crackdown on pro-democracy figures and participants of the pro-democracy primaries. Sham was rearrested on 28 February 2021 on subversion charges and awaits trial as of late May 2021. Also in late May 2021, the group's convener Figo Chan was convicted over an unlawful assembly in 2019 and handed a 18 months' imprisonment term, leading the group temporarily leaderless. The following civic organisations and political parties are members of CHRF. Politics of Hong Kong High Court District Court Magistrates' Court Special courts and tribunals: Chief Executive Elections Legislative elections District council elections Consular missions in Hong Kong Hong Kong–China relations Hong Kong–Taiwan relations The politics of Hong Kong takes place in
5325-463: Was intended that the levy would be waived for a two-year period on all helpers' employment contracts signed on or after 1 September 2008, but would not apply to ongoing contracts. The Immigration Department said it would not reimburse levies, which are prepaid half-yearly or yearly in advance. The announcement resulted in chaos and confusion, and uncertainty for the helpers as some employers deferred contracts or had dismissed helpers pending confirmation of
5400-623: Was only fit for "patriots." The interpretation of the NPCSC to Annex I and II of the Basic Law, promulgated on 6 April 2004, made it clear that the National People's Congress ' support is required over proposals to amend the electoral system under Basic Law. On 26 April 2004, the Standing Committee of National People's Congress denied the possibility of universal suffrage in 2007 (for the Chief Executive) and 2008 (for LegCo). The NPCSC interpretation and decision were regarded as obstacles to
5475-404: Was sparked that the election process for the Chief Executive would involve a screening process that selects for candidates deemed suitable for the position by Beijing, incited by a comment made by a Deputy of the National People's Congress at an off-the-record gathering. On 12 March 2005, the Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa , resigned. Immediately after Tung's resignation, there was dispute over
5550-405: Was to be reduced from 102 to 68 by 2008. It was to be decided in 2011 whether to scrap the remaining seats in 2012 or in 2016. The amendment was seen as a reluctant response by Sir Donald Tsang to give satisfaction to the democratic demands made by demonstrators on 4 December. The move was qualified "Too little, too late" by pan-democrats in general. On 21 December 2005, the political reform package
5625-586: Was vetoed by pro-democracy lawmakers. Chief Secretary Rafael Hui openly criticised pro-democracy Martin Lee and Bishop Zen for blocking the proposed changes. As of 2008, the 24 non-civil service positions under the political appointment system comprised 11 undersecretaries and 13 political assistants. In May 2008, the government named eight newly appointed Undersecretaries and nine Political Assistants. The posts were newly created, ostensibly to work closely with bureau secretaries and top civil servants in implementing
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