|
|
Hong Kong's prosperity stems from a society that is secure and stable
文章
![]()
The observance of National Security Education Day in Hong Kong has gained increased significance since the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL). This year, the day is particularly notable as it not only marks the fourth National Security Education Day since the introduction of the NSL but is also the first since the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. National security is a pillar of the State, essential for maintaining societal stability and the prosperity that comes with it. Education about national security is crucial in fostering a widespread awareness among residents, ensuring a stable and prosperous society under "one country, two systems".
The importance of national security extends to every family and indeed to the future of the nation. Without national security, Hong Kong residents cannot enjoy a stable life. The riots in 2019-20 made residents aware of the importance of safeguarding national security. During that period, external anti-China forces and local disruptors nearly pushed Hong Kong into the abyss, paralyzing its business operations. In response, the central government enacted the NSL to rectify the chaotic situation, transitioning Hong Kong from turmoil to governance. Life has since returned to normal, and the recently enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, along with the NSL, has effectively deterred external hostile and separatist forces, safeguarding national security and Hong Kong's well-being.
Earlier this month, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government set up the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, which will work closely with related policy bureaus and departments to roll out a series of patriotism education activities, encouraging all sectors of society to organize relevant events voluntarily. Such collective efforts aimed at fostering a patriotic atmosphere throughout society is crucial for maintaining national sovereignty, security and development interests.
The proactive promotion of patriotic education by the government represents a huge step forward from the past, when the focus was solely on providing facts about our nation without stressing the need to be patriotic. Undoubtedly, only through fostering a love for the country can residents naturally and conscientiously safeguard national security. Through education that instills a sense of national honor and identity among students, the government hopes to build a deeper national consciousness that inherently protects national security against disruptive forces from within and outside Hong Kong.
The annual National Security Education Day is a focal point of patriotism education. Every year, the HKSAR government organizes a series of promotional and educational activities to deepen understanding of national security across society. This year is no exception. Activities planned include flag-raising ceremonies, open days for disciplinary forces, demonstrations of the Chinese-style foot drill, tactical or rescue exercises, and displays of firearms and equipment. These activities are designed to educate the public about the efforts made by various disciplinary forces to prevent and counter national security risks. Additionally, carnivals focused on national security education are held across all 18 districts of Hong Kong.
As we continue to observe National Security Education Day each year, it remains a pivotal component of our broader efforts to instill a deep sense of patriotism and awareness of national security among residents. Such initiatives are vital for nurturing a lasting commitment to national security and patriotism among all residents. As we move forward, these sustained educational efforts will play a crucial role in ensuring enduring stability, security and prosperity of Hong Kong, fostering a hopeful and resilient society ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
|
佐敦華豐大廈上周三（4月10日）發生三級嚴重火災，造成5人死亡，約40人受傷。我對事件深感痛悲痛，對於火災中失去生命的人們致以最深切的哀悼，但願逝者安息，生者平安。
今次大火，特區政府嚴肅應對，消防火速撲火，民政署開放梁顯利油麻地社區中心安置災民，警方及民政署等人員亦在大廈門口設置登記處，安排居民上樓執拾物件。保安局局長鄧炳強披上消防裝備視察火災現場，行政長官李家超亦親身前往醫院到探望傷者，惟這些都是火災發生後的善後工作。
那麼，火災發生前呢？樓宇管理和監管方面似乎未有做好。
根據報道，華豐大廈已有60年樓齡。屋宇署早在2008年已向大廈業主立案法團發出消防安全指示，要求大廈提升至符合現代要求的防火門、耐火物料圍封非緊急設施，以及提供符合耐火能力的固定窗等。十年後，屋宇署在2018年續針對樓宇的公用部分，再向大廈業主立案法團發出強制驗樓法定通知 。惟之後，署方似乎沒有積極跟進。
香港目前仍有為數不少像華豐大廈這般的高樓齡、防火設備未完善的樓宇，「三無大廈」更是高危中之高危。民政及青年事務局局長麥美娟星期六(13日)在電台節目上表示，特區政府將會協助 「三無大廈」 成立法團，相信此舉將有助盡快處理長期的樓宇管理與維修問題，提升消防安全。
樓宇安全的管理不僅要加強，改善執法和監管機制亦需完善。樓宇安全的宣傳教育不但應提高居民對應急情況的意識和應對能力，更應提高全港各區業主立案法團對大廈的安全結構意識與責任，特區政府亦應加強監管力度。
火災無情，造成的人命傷亡及財物損失不可逆轉，一宗都嫌多。社會通常是在嚴重大火發生後，才關注怎樣提高公眾防火意識，怎樣加強樓宇的防火設施等等，今次華豐大廈三級火又一次敲響消防鐘，特區政府必須加快腳步，提升樓宇防火管理。
由於特朗普及拜登二人作為總統的表現未能讓選民滿意，呼籲票投第三方的呼聲在本屆總統選舉中尤為高漲。雖然多數獨立候選人在民調上的支持度都及不上特、拜二人，但外界普遍認為來自甘迺迪家族的小羅拔甘迺迪（Robert Kennedy Jr.）可能對選舉的最終結果產生重要影響。
甘迺迪家族在美國政壇名聲顯赫，多個家族成員都曾出任政府要職。小羅拔甘迺迪是已故總統甘迺迪的侄子，父親則是前司法部部長及前參議員，本應是競選總統的熱門人選。但民主黨希望將選票導向拜登，以抗衡特朗普，因此未有給予甘迺迪「祝福」。
但我認為，縱使甘迺迪出選挑戰拜登，亦未必會嚴重分割民主黨內的票源。皆因甘迺迪本人的政治主張十分激進，極左及極右的議題都有涉足，與民主黨中間偏左的立場相距甚遠，相信無法取得大部分民主黨人的支持。但甘迺迪的新競選搭檔或能協助爭取更多提名，提高他「入閘」的機會。
據美國政經網站Politico報道，甘迺迪早前宣布科技律師及企業家妮可沙娜罕（Nicole Shanahan）為他的競選搭檔。他稱讚對方為傑出的律師、科學家、技術專家及堅強的母親。
沙娜罕是中美混血兒及移民後代，亦是Google其中一名創辦人Sergey Brin的前妻。兩人於2022年離婚時，沙娜罕按照結婚時簽署的婚前協議，分得約10億美元財產。沙娜罕與甘迺迪同為律師，在環保政策及反疫苗陰謀論的立場相近，她亦主張利用創新科技去打擊政府機構的腐敗行為。
不難看出，甘迺迪和沙娜罕所代表的是民主黨內以「矽谷精英」為主的精英階層利益。雖然沙娜罕的雄厚財力或能協助甘迺迪取得更多提名，但相信無助他當選總統。不過，他們的部分激進主張或可吸引共和、民主兩黨的邊緣化選民支持，分割特、拜二人的票源。
What are Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s chances?
As the performances of both Trump and Biden as president have failed to satisfy voters, there are increasingly loud calls this election for voting third-party. While most independent candidates still lag Trump and Biden in polls, most observers believe Robert F. Kennedy Jr., from the famed Kennedy family, could significantly impact the final election result.
The Kennedy family has a prominent reputation in American politics, with many family members having held high government positions. RFK Jr. is the nephew of former president John F. Kennedy, and his father was a former Attorney General and senator, making him a natural candidate for president. However, the Democratic Party hoped to direct votes toward Biden to counter Trump, so did not give RFK Jr. their "blessing."
However, I believe even if RFK Jr. challenged Biden, it would unlikely severely split the Democratic vote base. This is because RFK Jr.'s own political stances are quite radical, touching on both far-left and far-right issues, far from the Democratic Party's center-left position, and he likely cannot gain support from most Democrats. But RFK Jr.'s new running mate could help attract more nominations and increase his chances of "making the cut."
According to a report by the American political and economic website Politico, RFK Jr. recently announced technology lawyer and entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan as his running mate. He praised her as an outstanding lawyer, scientist, tech expert and strong mother.
Shanahan is of Chinese-American descent and an immigrant offspring. She is also the former wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin. When they divorced in 2022, Shanahan got around $1 billion in assets according to their prenuptial agreement. Shanahan and RFK Jr. share a similar stance as lawyers on environmental policy and anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. She also advocates using innovative technology to combat corruption in government agencies.
It's not difficult to see that RFK Jr. and Shanahan represent the interests of the elite class in the Democratic Party comprising mainly of "Silicon Valley elites." While Shanahan's formidable wealth could help RFK Jr. get more nominations, it's unlikely to help him win the presidency. However, some of their radical stances may attract support from marginalized voters of both Republican and Democratic parties, splitting votes from Trump and Biden.
The observance of National Security Education Day in Hong Kong has gained increased significance since the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL). This year, the day is particularly notable as it not only marks the fourth National Security Education Day since the introduction of the NSL but is also the first since the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. National security is a pillar of the State, essential for maintaining societal stability and the prosperity that comes with it. Education about national security is crucial in fostering a widespread awareness among residents, ensuring a stable and prosperous society under "one country, two systems".
The importance of national security extends to every family and indeed to the future of the nation. Without national security, Hong Kong residents cannot enjoy a stable life. The riots in 2019-20 made residents aware of the importance of safeguarding national security. During that period, external anti-China forces and local disruptors nearly pushed Hong Kong into the abyss, paralyzing its business operations. In response, the central government enacted the NSL to rectify the chaotic situation, transitioning Hong Kong from turmoil to governance. Life has since returned to normal, and the recently enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, along with the NSL, has effectively deterred external hostile and separatist forces, safeguarding national security and Hong Kong's well-being.
Earlier this month, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government set up the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, which will work closely with related policy bureaus and departments to roll out a series of patriotism education activities, encouraging all sectors of society to organize relevant events voluntarily. Such collective efforts aimed at fostering a patriotic atmosphere throughout society is crucial for maintaining national sovereignty, security and development interests.
The proactive promotion of patriotic education by the government represents a huge step forward from the past, when the focus was solely on providing facts about our nation without stressing the need to be patriotic. Undoubtedly, only through fostering a love for the country can residents naturally and conscientiously safeguard national security. Through education that instills a sense of national honor and identity among students, the government hopes to build a deeper national consciousness that inherently protects national security against disruptive forces from within and outside Hong Kong.
The annual National Security Education Day is a focal point of patriotism education. Every year, the HKSAR government organizes a series of promotional and educational activities to deepen understanding of national security across society. This year is no exception. Activities planned include flag-raising ceremonies, open days for disciplinary forces, demonstrations of the Chinese-style foot drill, tactical or rescue exercises, and displays of firearms and equipment. These activities are designed to educate the public about the efforts made by various disciplinary forces to prevent and counter national security risks. Additionally, carnivals focused on national security education are held across all 18 districts of Hong Kong.
As we continue to observe National Security Education Day each year, it remains a pivotal component of our broader efforts to instill a deep sense of patriotism and awareness of national security among residents. Such initiatives are vital for nurturing a lasting commitment to national security and patriotism among all residents. As we move forward, these sustained educational efforts will play a crucial role in ensuring enduring stability, security and prosperity of Hong Kong, fostering a hopeful and resilient society ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
總體國家安全觀，創新引領十周年──今年是國家主席習近平提出總體國家安全觀的十周年，今天（15日）是全民國家安全教育日，《維護國家安全條例》刊憲實施後的第二十三日，也是條例生效後的第一個全民國家安全教育日，新民黨認為具有里程碑意義，值得深思。
習主席提出的總體國家安全觀，作為維護國家安全的重大戰略思想，創新而全面地把國家安全的概念整全至傳統及非傳統的範疇，讓全國人民、特別是港人明白到，國家安全，人人有責，香港特別行政區必須擔起歷史責任，成為國家的安全屏障。
新民黨非常認同中央港澳工作辦公室主任、國務院港澳事務辦公室主任夏寶龍今日致辭所說，「今天的香港告別了動盪不安的局面，徹底終結了維護國家安全不設防的歷史」，隨著《香港國安法》及《維護國家安全條例》先後實施，兩條法例有機互補，將為香港及國家實現高水平安全保障，從今日起，香港得以站在「零起點」，奮力前進，拼經濟，謀發展。
夏主任說，「今日的中國，已非昨日的中國」，新民黨同時認為，今日的香港，已非昨日的香港。中央政府已為香港掃平障礙，踏平崎嶇，在築起安全屏障後，香港得以在「一國兩制」這堅定國策下，長治久安，「香港資本主義制度長期不變，生活方式長期不變，普通法制度長期不變，香港的自由港地位、簡單低稅制、資金自由流動、與國際接軌的監管制度、國際化、法制化、市場化等不僅不會消弱，還會大放異彩」，特別是在人才、科技、創新等方面，香港必須達致新質生產力發展，「有選擇地推動新產業、新模式、新動能發展，構築香港競爭的新優勢」，建設有利的營商環境，把「一國兩制」的紅利最大化。
習主席在3月27日在北京人民大會堂會見美國工商界及戰略學術界代表時，明確指出，「中國經濟是健康、可持續的」，「過去沒有因為中國崩潰論而潰論，現在也不會因為中國見頂論而見頂」，而國家是香港最大的靠山，「香港有求，祖國必應」，夏主任說「更多挺港惠港措施陸續有來」，新民黨感謝國家時刻對香港的關愛，同時認為，香港必須把握及發揮好自身獨特優勢，奮力鞏固其國際地位，使「香港」這個金字招牌更加閃亮。
新民黨李文龍區議員及孫道弘區議員聯合辦事處（勵德）今日（26日）正式開幕。開幕儀式請來一系列重要嘉賓主禮，包括行政會議召集人、立法會議員暨新民黨主席葉劉淑儀女士；立法會議員暨新民黨常務副主席黎棟國先生；房屋局局長何永賢女士；中聯辦港島工作部副部長王卉先生；灣仔民政事務專員暨灣仔區議會主席張雁伶女士；灣仔警區指揮官廖珈奇總警司；香港房屋協會行政總裁兼執行總幹事陳欽勉先生；以及一眾地區領袖等等。
李文龍區議員在開幕典禮上致歡迎辭，感謝大家抽空出席辦事處開幕禮。 他表示自己服務地區工作已近三十年，在地區曾擔任不同職務，不論角色如何，他會以不同的方式持續為社區服務。他認為完善選舉制度後，區議會的新憲制職能有助行政機關與立法機關的理性互動，強化地區治理，將可服務更多市民。「攜手共建社區是每個地區工作者的使命，在新民黨主席葉劉淑儀和常務副主席黎棟國的帶領下，我們將為社區創造更美好的未來。」他續說。
行政會議召集人、立法會議員暨新民黨主席葉劉淑儀女士在開幕禮上致詞。她對辦事處開幕表示祝賀，並表示：「在新的制度下，區議員的工作變得更加重要，很高興李文龍及孫道弘兩位灣仔區議員都相當投入，認真工作，服務居民。這個勵德辦事處是新一屆區議會下，新民黨在港島第一個辦開幕禮的辦事處，我們將陸續開設更多辦事處，透過這些辦事處，我們能夠更好地為地區提供服務，快速回應市民訴求。我們期待勵德辦事處能夠成為居民的重要資源，為灣仔區帶來更好發展。」
立法會議員暨新民黨常務副主席黎棟國先生表示李文龍區議員已在地區服務三十年，現增添孫道弘區議員的力量，兩人並肩作戰，會是為大家服務的新起點。他指：「過去他們在這裡辛勤耕耘，今天他們會更加努力，期望辦事處做到『門常開」，他們能為大家排憂解難，長期為街坊服務，為社區謀福祉。」
房屋局局長何永賢女士對辦事處開幕表示祝賀，她認同黎棟國議員提到的「門常開」說法。她指希望政府能與區議員保持良好溝通，共同為社區服務。她以「門常開、地常綠、天復藍、民永繫」作結語，表達對兩位議員的期盼。
中聯辦港島工作部副部長王卉先生、灣仔民政事務專員暨灣仔區議會主席張雁伶女士、灣仔警區指揮官廖珈奇總警司，以及香港房屋協會行政總裁兼執行總幹事陳欽勉先生出席開幕禮並對辦事處開幕表示恭賀，他們期望兩位議員能夠全力以赴為灣仔社區服務，共同建立更和諧、更美好的社區。
孫道弘區議員致謝辭時表示相當高興及感謝各界好友出席開幕禮。他在港經商已有十九年，如今有幸獲委任成為灣仔區議員，展開地區服務工作。他承諾會繼續積極學習，以進取和開放的態度，接納不同意見。「我期待和大家攜手合作，共同見證灣仔區的進步和發展。我會竭誠為社區服務。」他總結道。
新民黨副主席兼立法會議員容海恩女士及新民黨廖子聰區議員辦事處（沙田）今日（24日）正式開幕。開幕儀式請來一系列重要嘉賓主禮，包括行政會議召集人、立法會議員兼新民黨主席葉劉淑儀女士；民政及青年事務局局長麥美娟女士；立法會議員兼新民黨常務副主席黎棟國先生；中聯辦新界工作部副處長余劍文先生；沙田民政事務專員及沙田區議會主席余懷誠先生；新民黨副主席、公民力量主席及沙田區議員潘國山先生；立法會議員兼新民黨中委李梓敬先生；以及一眾地區領導及區議員等等。
廖子聰區議員在開幕儀式上致歡迎辭，感謝大家抽空出席辦事處開幕禮。他指辦事處將成為他和居民之間的重要溝通平台。在黨主席葉劉淑儀的領導下，他將繼續代表新民黨為居民提供服務，並協助地區治理領導委員會和地區治理專組，更準確地掌握地區脈搏。他感謝前來捧場的地區領袖、街坊好友和義工，並承諾將繼續肩負改善社區的重任，以實際行動為居民的幸福感和獲得感作出貢獻。
行政會議召集人、立法會會員暨新民黨主席葉劉淑儀女士在開幕禮上致詞。她對辦事處開幕表示祝賀：「計及今日開幕的美田辦事處，容海恩議員目前在新界有三個辦事處，同時也是廖子聰區議員的第一個辦事處。新民黨區議員的辦事處陸續投入服務，美田則是我們在沙田區第一個辦開幕禮的辦事處。新民黨在沙田共有十一位區議員，我非常感謝各位街坊一直以來的支持，我們在沙田有充足的力量，可以為居民提供最優質的服務。」
民政及青年事務局局長麥美娟女士表示，感謝大家支持特區政府的地區工作，並祝賀容海恩立法會議員和廖子聰區議員的辦事處開幕。她指本屆區議會設有履職監察制度和指引，期望市民給予更多支持和鼓勵，讓區議員更好地為居民服務，做到上情下達、下情上報，讓社區更加和諧。
新民黨副主席、公民力量主席兼沙田區議員潘國山先生表示，廖子聰先後在2015年和2019年代表新民黨和公民力量參選區議會，地區經驗豐富。而自從美田邨在2006年入伙以來，他們就開始在這裡服務，相信美田邨的街坊感受到新民黨和公民力量的服務。他相信在廖子聰和各位議員的共同努力下，整個社區會更加幸福。
新民黨區域發展主任唐學良先生多年來一直服務美田街坊，他感謝新民黨常務副主席黎棟國和副主席容海恩兩位立法會議員，在他於2019年區議會選舉失去議席後，義不容辭在美田開設聯合辦事處，讓他可繼續服務美田居民。今日，他衷心祝賀容海恩議員和廖子聰議員辦事處正式開幕。他堅信，容海恩議員和廖子聰議員將為社區帶來進步，引領社區邁向更美好的未來。他本人亦承諾會繼續服務美田。
立法會議員、新民黨副主席容海恩女士致謝辭時表示，相當高興能與廖子聰區議員一起開設辦事處。她感謝新民黨在主席葉劉淑儀女士的領導下，為地區提供強大的支持。「未來希望向特區政府提出更多意見，改善地區和民生，讓無論是住在美田邨、烏溪沙村或馬鞍山整個大沙田板塊的居民，都能享受到幸福美滿的生活。」她總結道。
在4月10日立法會大會上，就“在港使用國產新能源汽車口頭質詢的追問：
今年財政預算案對新能源汽車寬減額作出最新調整，而有意見指，此舉或左右各新能源汽車品牌在香港的市場銷售發展前景，請問政府如何在新政策實施的情況下，盡力確保不同汽車製造商繼續在香港汽車市場積極推進發展，從而維持香港市場的國際性特色之餘，亦予各品牌和業界公平競爭香港的市場比重，同時可達到推動香港廣泛使用電動車的目標？
原定於4月1 日推行的垃圾徵費已推遲至8月1日才實施，對此我表示支持。我認為垃圾徵費是一項重要環保舉措，周遭不少國家均有推行，我留意到政府有積極舉辦多場講解會，然而過程中亦有不少團體和市民提出建議，政府應善用餘下時間優化政策，以及做好宣傳工作。
我曾到訪一些公屋屋邨視察廚餘回收機和回收桶，不少市民反映回收機經常爆滿，而且不清楚何時會清理，導致未能使用。就此政府應加強宣傳，提供更多相關資訊，同時研究與關愛隊互相配合，如派發更多回收桶，取代市民慣用的膠袋，進一步改善環境衞生。政府亦應當收集好目前試點的經驗，改善廚餘回收的相關問題。
此外，有物管公司、清潔公司亦向我反映他們對垃圾徵費的疑問和顧慮，他們明白政府不鼓勵物管公司使用大型指定垃圾袋為住戶「包底」，但若工作時遇到違規情況，亦不清楚其責任誰屬，同時市民亦擔心因此增加管理費。因此我促請政府仔細處理好有關細節，釐清責任所在，減低物管和清潔公司的疑慮。
隨科技進步，無人機、垂直起降飛行器等航空器逐漸得到廣泛應用，由深圳世界之窗的無人機配送新鮮奶茶，到農業植保、電力巡檢與旅遊觀光，均反映低空經濟已成為推動城市創新發展的新引擎。就此，我支持立法會日前討論的「推動低空經濟發展」議案，並在發言時指出國家已於今年1月實施《無人駕駛航空器飛行管理暫行條例》，足見國家對低空經濟發展的重視，亦反映了相關產業需要法規和政策支援。
我認為，若要推動香港的低空經濟，除了需要深化空域管理改革，亦需要在法規上有所調整，如《小型無人機令》，我們可通過法規修訂，既滿足小型無人機活動的特殊需要，又保證了航空安全和相關法律的完整性，平衡創新與規範之間的關係，為低空經濟發展提供堅實的法律基礎。
我亦建議政府持續推進空域開放，在確保飛行安全的前提下，簡化低空飛行審批流程，提高空域使用效率。同時，政府應建設和優化更多地面基礎設施如充電站、起降場、維修中心等，並為行業制定標準，藉以推動技術創新，重視人才培訓，於法律、技術、政策和人才培訓等多個方面均提供支援，才能開創香港的低空經濟發展。