Minutes of the 9th Meeting ofFinance Committee (2018-19)

Central and Western District Council

Date : 1 August 2019 (Thursday)Time : 2:30 pmVenue : Conference Room

14/F, Harbour Building 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong

Present:ChairmanMr LEE Chi-hang, Sidney, MH*

MembersMr CHAN Chit-kwai, Stephen, BBS, JP (start of the meeting – 4:12 pm)Mr CHAN Choi-hi, MH, JP (3:03 pm – 4:00 pm)Mr CHAN Hok-fung, MH, JP (start of the meeting – 2:31 pm)Ms CHENG Lai-king (2:31 pm – end of the meeting)Mr HUI Chi-fung*Mr KAM Nai-wai, MH*Miss LO Yee-hang, MH (3:00 pm – end of the meeting)Mr NG Siu-hong*Ms NG Hoi-yan, Bonnie*Mr YEUNG Hoi-wing*Mr YEUNG Hok-ming*Mr YIP Wing-shing, SBS, MH, JP*Mr YOUNG Chit-on, Jeremy*

Remarks: * Members who attended the whole meeting( ) Time of attendance of Members

In Attendance:Mrs WONG HO Wing-sze, Susanne,

JPDistrict Officer (Central and Western)

Ms YEUNG Wing-shan, Grace Senior Executive Officer (District Council), Central and Western District Office

Ms CHEN Huey-ru, Winnie Liaison Officer (Peak & University), Central and Western District Office

Mr CHAN Siu-tai, Andrew Officer-in-charge (Western), Central and Western District Office

Miss Nessa PONG Executive Assistant (Community Liaison) 2, Central and Western District Office

Miss TAO Wai-man, Wendy Liaison Officer (Kennedy Town, Mt. Davis & Kwun Lung), Central and Western District Office

Ms BOOK King-shun, Emma Executive Officer I (District Council), Central and Western District Office

Ms LAW Shun-yi, Rosalind Project Coordinator (District Council), Central and Western District Office

Mr LAU Ka-kwan, Wilson Executive Officer (District Council) 4, Central and Western District Office

Mr CHAN Kwok-ying, Lawrence Executive Assistant (District Council) 6, Central and Western District Office

Ms WONG Wai-yan, Agnes Executive Officer (District Council) 2, Central and Western District Office

Ms LUI Yee-ting, Joey Executive Assistant (District Council) 4, Central and Western District Office

Ms WONG Wing-sze Production Manager, Class 7A Drama GroupMs CHENG Cheuk-yan, Charmaine Executive Officer (District Council) 3, Central and

Western District OfficeMr HO Kai-yin Executive Assistant (District Council) 7, Central and

Western District OfficeMr CHAN Kin-sun Social Worker, Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun

Community CentreMs CHAN Yuk-sim Volunteer, Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community

CentreMr MOK Chi-kin, Jiv Senior Executive Officer (District Management),

Central and Western District OfficeMr MAN Chi-chiu, Eric Executive Officer (District Management) 1, Central

and Western District OfficeMs CHAN Suk-fan, Bianca Deputy District Leisure Manager (District Support)

Central and Western, Leisure and Cultural Services

DepartmentMiss Grace PUT Executive Assistant (Community Liaison) 1, Central

and Western District OfficeMs CHIU Wah-kuen, MH Chairman, Hong Kong Central and Western District

Woman AssociationMs CHAN Siu-ching Social Worker, Lok Kwan Social Service Wong Kong

Hon Community Service CentreMs TO Hiu-man Social Worker, Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian

Association Kwun Lung Lau Community Work Office

Mr SHEA Wai-keung Social Worker, The Hong Kong Catholic Marriage Advisory Council Grace and Joy Integrated Family Service Centre

Mr KAM Man-kit Chairman, Central & Western District Association for Culture and Arts

Ms SIN Tsui-mei Officer, Central & Western District Association for Culture and Arts

Ms HUI Po-yan Senior Teacher, Hong Kong Y.W.C.A. Tai Hon Fan Nursery School

Mr YAU Lik-yung Welfare Worker, Caritas Jockey Club Integrated Service for Young People – Shek Tong Tsui

Ms CHEN Pak-wai Programme Worker, Caritas Jockey Club Integrated Service for Young People – Shek Tong Tsui

Ms Cathy CHAU Social Worker, Caritas Community Centre – Caine Road

Ms CHU Mo-fong Social Worker, Caritas Community Centre – Caine Road

Secretary:Ms YIP Wing-yan, Sonia Executive Officer (District Council) 1, Central and

Western District Office

Absent with Apologies:Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, JP

1. The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting.

2. The Chairman said that the Secretariat had received prior notices from nine Members, namely Mr CHAN Chit-kwai , Mr YIP Wing-shing, Mr KAM Nai-wai, Ms CHENG Lai-king, Ms NG Hoi-yan , Mr NG Siu-hong, Mr HUI Chi-fung, Mr YEUNG Hok-ming and the Chairman himself, stating that they would like to make oral statements at the meeting. According to Order 26 of the Central and Western District Council Standing Orders (“Standing Orders”), any statement and question put to a meeting of the Council must be compatible with the functions of the Council. Moreover, in accordance with Order 30 of the Standing Orders, the oral statement made by a Member should not take more than 5 minutes.

3. The Chairman invited Mr CHAN Chit-kwai to make his oral statement.

4. Mr CHAN Chit-kwai said that in recent days, fighting after demonstrations and rallies kept escalating and uncooperative movements that disrupted public security and order had also emerged. Some people intentionally blocked the entrance gates at the time the public were going to work or school, which almost brought the busy MTR service to a halt. This was infuriating. Mr CHAN said that it was unknown whether those initiating the movement had calculated the adverse effects. Now more and more people were feeling the negative consequences of violent demonstrations. The stock market continued to decline, the property market was sluggish, foreign investment had pulled out from Hong Kong and cut back investments, the number of tourists and businessmen dropped sharply, restaurants and eateries and the retail sector plummeted, and the number of layoffs was on the rise, which had serious economic impact on the general public. Hong Kong was taking an unprecedented downward trend.

5. Mr CHAN Chit-kwai continued that Hong Kong was lagging behind the Mainland and overseas countries and facing livelihood issues such as an aging population and high inflation. Yet people still focused on power struggles. 20 years back, Hong Kong was also in a predicament. The citizens faced unemployment and pay cuts and the companies closed down. Still, it was understood then violence was not the solution to the problem, it could only deepen hatred. Yet now, the Government was asked to say sorry and give explanation for everything that was done, while the rioters were not required to apologize to the public. They were only there to destroy until Hong Kong was destroyed. Mr CHAN pointed out that it took Hong Kong years of development to reach the point where we were today, but its destruction could happen in the blink of an eye. Mr CHAN believed that in the struggle for democracy, politics entailed the art of compromise and long-term planning. No political agenda could be accomplished at one stroke. Mr CHAN Chit-kwai said that

resorting to force and undermining social order could only be counterproductive and would never succeed. He hoped everyone would pause for a while and think.

6. The Chairman invited Mr YIP Wing-shing to make his oral statement.

7. Mr YIP Wing-shing said that recent social issues in Hong Kong and the district were discussed in the District Council or Committee meetings lately. Mr YIP pointed out that all agenda items of this Finance Committee (“FC”) involved funding grants for public welfare programmes. The focus should basically be directed towards people’s livelihood. However, the situation in Hong Kong was turbulent now. The political turmoil arising from the opposition to the proposed legislative amendments would really affect Hong Kong’s economy and people’s livelihood. Public life and personal safety had already been affected. Once more, Mr YIP stated his appreciation and respect for those who expressed their aspirations in a peaceful and rational manner. Mr YIP expressed deep concern for the multiple casualties that resulted from the recent large-scale clashes after the demonstrations. Mr YIP said that some residents of the Western District learned from media reports that there would be a demonstration on Hong Kong Island West on 4 August and they were very worried. The residents conveyed to Mr YIP that the circumstances in Western District was special – the streets were narrow, the place was densely populated with many elderly, women and children. Residents well respected the demands of the protesters and hoped that the demonstration could be conducted and ended in a peaceful manner. Mr YIP also appealed to everyone, saying that people from all walks of life understood that every individual had their own beliefs and demands, but political issues should be resolved politically. It was understandable to bring social topics to the community, but the impact at district level should be minimized to protect the personal safety of residents. Mr YIP hoped that everyone could pause for a while and rethink, so as to solve the problem by seeking common ground while accommodating differences. He also urged the Government to listen to the voices and demands of people and open the door for dialogue. Mr YIP believed that although the problem might not be resolved all at once, at least it would do people a service if the tension could be eased a bit. Mr YIP said that as the conflict escalated, the public was very worried about the possible loss of life. He was convinced that Members would not want to see Hong Kong embarked on the road of no return. He hoped that Members would work together to solve the problem regardless of which camp they belonged to. Mr YIP said that he had received a request from Members to convene a special meeting, and had instructed the Secretariat to make arrangement and contact all Members.

8. The Chairman invited Mr KAM Nai-wai to make his oral statement.

9. Mr KAM Nai-wai stated that he would represent Democratic Party members Ms

CHENG Lai-king, Ms NG Hoi-yan , Mr HUI Chi-fung, Mr NG Siu-hong and himself to make a statement regarding the impact on residents caused by police’s dispersal of protesters in the Central and Western (“C&W”) District, and the issue of protesters being prosecuted for rioting. Regarding the impact on residents of the C&W District due to tear gas canisters fired by police’s dispersal action in Sheung Wan on 21 July, Mr KAM said members of the Democratic Party had requested a special meeting to be held then. On 28 July, police again fired tear gas canisters to disperse protesters from Sai Ying Pun to Central and Sheung Wan, which had affected a large number of residents in the area. Mr KAM stated that residents living on the upper floors of Sheung Wan complained of symptoms of eye and skin irritation and dyspnea, while MTR trains bypassed Sai Ying Pun Station, HKU Station and Kennedy Town Station that night, plus Connaught Road Central and West, Des Voeux Road Central and West, and Queen’s Road Central and West were all closed, seriously affecting night returning residents who were unable to get home. Mr KAM believed that as Members of the Central and Western District Council (“C&WDC”), it was their responsibility to call a special meeting immediately, irrespective of their stance towards the Government and the Police. Mr KAM found it difficult to understand why a meeting could not be convened even after ten days, and raised the following questions and queries to the Government:

Demand the Government to account for the course of the incident; Demand the Police to explain the strategy to disperse the public and explain the

reasons for lancing numerous tear gas canisters near residential area; Whether the practice of firing tear gas in residential areas was in line with the Police

General Orders, whether there were relevant guidelines to regulate the use of tear gas, and whether the on-site Commander had fully calculated the potential danger;

What were the components of tear gas canisters and tear gas, and whether they were expired items;

Some residents asked for help. Even though the windows were closed, they could not stop the tear gas from entering the house. Medical treatment was sought the next day, but their eyes remained red and swollen. Thus, whether the Police and the Government would make compensation;

Demand doctors from the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority to explain the effect of tear gas on human body, what the public should do when affected by tear gas, and did the Government had any plan to publicize treatment method for tear gas irritations;

How the MTR/departments concerned/relevant persons made the decision to order trains to bypass Sai Ying Pun Station, HKU Station and Kennedy Town Station on the night of 28 July;

Demand the MTR/departments concerned/Transport Department (“TD”)/Security Bureau to explain why trains bypassed the unaffected Kennedy Town Station to

prevent the public from returning home; Demand the TD to explain whether it knew that when Queen’s Road West, Connaught

Road West and Des Voeux Road were entirely closed that night, and MTR bypassed the HKU Station and Kennedy Town Station, there was no way residents of the district could go home. Demand the Government to explain what contingency measures were in place to provide available places for the public to take temporary shelter and stay, and why no meeting was held to inform the public how to deal with the problem; and

Explain to residents how to deal with similar situations in the future.

10. Mr KAM believed that regardless whether the public supported the protesters or not, government departments should still answer the questions and hold meeting to explain to the public.

11. The Chairman invited Ms CHENG Lai-king to make her oral statement.

12. Ms CHENG Lai-king said that after the Police fired tear gas canisters on 28 July, a member of the public had approached her for assistance, complaining tearfully that he was affected by tear gas at the exit of Sai Ying Pun Station on the evening of 28 July. His 14-month old daughter was non-stop crying, which made him very sad. It was unconceivable why the Government had to fire tear gas canisters. Ms CHENG said that the parent was affected by the tear gas rising uphill on his/her way back home and it hurt a lot. He had also taken his daughter to the doctor to check whether the lungs and eyes were affected. Ms CHENG pointed out that the Police kept firing tear gas canisters without warning. Regarding the number of tear gas canisters fired that night, Ms CHENG said there was no report from the Police and that was extremely outrageous. Ms CHENG pointed out the C&WDC Secretariat had issued an e-mail saying that it had asked Members when they would be available for attending a special meeting, and that there was insufficient Members available at the first time slot (i.e. after this meeting) to form a quorum (i.e. eight Members). Ms CHENG stated that the five District Councillors of the Democratic Party could attend the meeting at any time, and it was incomprehensible why there were less than eight Members calling for the meeting. Apart from the Democratic Party members, Ms CHENG wondered why other District Councillors had failed to respond to the Secretariat for a meeting when such a major incident had occurred in the C&W District. The incident affected all residents of the C&W District, but still no more than half of the Members (i.e. eight members) had agreed to attend a special meeting ten days after the incident. Ms CHENG found it really ridiculous. At the same time, she asked those non-Democratic Party Members to do some soul searching to see if they had lived up to the expectations of the residents of the C&W District. Ms CHENG said newspaper editorial article, which remarked that Members of the DAB were the most shameless, had been quoted in previous statement so she would not comment more. However, for the independent Members such

as Mr CHAN Chit-kwai , Mr CHAN Choi-hi, Mr LEE Chi-hang , Mr YIP Wing-shing and Mr YOUNG Chit-on of the Liberal Party, they owed the public an explanation on why they were unable to attend the special meeting. Ms CHENG hoped that in the midst of this “anti-extradition to China” movement, the public could identify whether individual Members had spoken for them and found out whether Members were representing the Communist Party, the Government which aroused widespread resentment, the dirty cops, or speaking on behalf of the public at the District Council. Ms CHENG believed that the public would use their votes to make them payback.

13. Ms CHENG Lai-king continued that after police had dispersed the protesters in the C&W District on 28 July, 44 persons were charged with rioting in the Eastern District Court within three to four days. Ms CHENG said that as it was essential to provide specific actions of the accused on that day to justify the prospect of conviction of rioting. In general, it was necessary to check back all kinds of information before instituting prosecutions. The conflict scenes on 28 July were chaotic, yet protesters were arrested on the spot. Ms CHENG wondered whether the accusations had satisfied the threshold for initiating prosecutions. Ms CHENG asked whether it was because officials of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office had spoken on Hong Kong affairs on 29 July that the Government changed its policies, with the Department of Justice speeding up the pace of prosecutions. Ms CHENG said that this arrangement gave the public impression that these were political prosecutions to serve as a deterrent to Hong Kong people. Ms CHENG warned the Government that such an arrangement would only incite even greater public outrage. She stated that, as Mr YIP Wing-shing had said, political issues should be resolved politically, but the Chief Executive was using the Police as a shield. As a result, the Police shot and fired tear gas indiscriminately, and the public was suffering. Ms CHENG continued to say that the terrorist attack in Yuen Long on 21 July where white-clad people had violently attacked the general public had caused public panic far greater than the conflict after demonstration. That was a typical riot. It had been more than ten days since the incident occurred, but the Police had only arrested ten-odd persons for the simple offence of illegal assembly with bail granted pending trial. The Government’s handling of the conflict between the Police and the public in Yuen Long and the C&W District was very different. Ms CHENG stressed that it could not escape the public eye.

14. The Chairman invited Ms NG Hoi-yan to make her oral statement.

15. Ms NG Hoi-yan said after the Yuen Long incident and the two police dispersal actions in Sheung Wan, the public were worried that whether the Police’s attitude in dealing with the Yuen Long incident would recur in the C&W District. At the press conference held on 25 July, the Acting Regional Commander (NTN) admitted the Police had received relevant information before the white-clad people attacked the public. He also stated that

an operation command centre was set up in Yuen Long at 6:00 pm on that day. The operation and the results had fallen short of public expectations and review was necessary. Ms NG said that the Police confessed that the 39 minutes taken for police to arrive at the scene from the time of receipt of the report was longer than normal. As for whether they would apologize to the people being attacked that day, the Police had not responded positively. Ms NG said that the understatement given by the Commander at the press conference and from the report shown in the “721 Yuen Long Nightmare” episode of RTHK’s Hong Kong Connection, one could not help doubting whether the Police was connected with the triads. Ms NG quoted a comment which stated that only the Police themselves could save their own image, and the only way was to immediately distance themselves from the triads and conduct high-profile arrests of the white-clad mob similar to the speedy arrest of protesters on 28 July, and let the Department of Justice prosecute them for terrorist attack within two days without bail granted.

16. Ms NG Hoi-yan continued to say that in the incidents where tear gas was fired in the C&W District, especially the one on 28 July, most people were just going out for dinner, and some were just passing by the locations when tear gas was fired, especially residents in the vicinity of Queen’s Road West. Most people were affected by tear gas because the Police gave no prior warning, and riot police continued to fire even though no protesters were present. Ms NG questioned the law enforcement standards for the use of tear gas, and pointed out that the public had completely lost confidence in the Police and the LAM CHENG Government. Ms NG believed that as Members of the C&WDC and representatives of public opinion, it was especially important for them to remain steadfast to duty. In order to properly perform the duties of District Councillor, Ms NG demanded that a meeting be held immediately and the Police and relevant agencies should be present to fully explain the entire incident.

17. The Chairman invited Mr NG Siu-hong to make his oral statement.

18. Mr NG Siu-hong pointed out that during the recent conflicts, police continuously fired tear gas canisters and riot police were also deployed everywhere. Mr NG, as Chairman of the Working Group on Mid-levels Escalators in the Central & Western District and District Councillor of the constituency, stated that tear gas was fired at the lower part of the Mid-levels escalators then. Riot police once blocked the section of escalators up to the entrance at Queen’s Road Central upon arrival. Mr NG said that the riot police were all equipped with batons and shields and used batons to threaten the public. Some of them were protestors and some were just residents returning home. Mr NG stated that most residents could only return home by MTR on that day, but they were intimidated by the Police when they passed by the escalators. The street was full of tear gas, but there were only dining residents on the street. Residents tried to explain to the Police but were

accused of obstructing police officers in their execution of duties. Mr NG had no idea what kind of law enforcement it was. Mr NG continued to say that when the Police arrived at the IFC Mall, the security of the Mall did not welcome the Police but the Police still pushed forward. Those who questioned the Police were arrested. Mr NG said at the time, there were only kaifongs of the Mid-levels, including elderly and children, dining inside the IFC Mall. The residents were panicked and dodged here and there. The Police were refused entry to the Mall but they still pushed on and blocked one door. Mr NG said they already had the intention to commit an offence but no one was investigating. On the other hand, Mr NG asked how he could complain the Police for ignoring enquiries from the media or the public and refusing to show their warrant cards. Mr NG stated that the Independent Police Complaints Council was allegedly controlled by the intuitional camp, and the institutional camp also opposed the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry. Mr NG continued to say that the Police fired tear gas outside residential buildings in Sheung Wan and the Western District, regardless whether there were people or not. The tear gas smoke rose upwards, affecting residents. There were homes for the elderly in the district and inhalation of the smoke could be fatal to the elderly. Mr NG questioned why investigation for this issue was not necessary, and asked whether the DAB wanted to harbour the Police or the Government by refusing to convene an independent commission of inquiry. Mr NG said this would only have a negative effect on the Police and the Government. Mr NG continued to say that the Police must thoroughly investigate regulatory breaches, the Yuen Long incident, etc. At the same time, the Government must reform and setting up a commission of inquiry could clear things up. Mr NG believed that high-level police officers, commanders and even the Security Bureau would worry about being investigated, yet this corrupted phenomenon was exactly the reason for investigation and reform. On the other hand, Mr NG questioned why Members of the DAB refused to meet to discuss these matters that were affecting the residents and the community. He said that the responsibility of District Councillors was to speak out on behalf of the public, and challenged why matters like police shooting and firing without warning need no discussion. Mr NG said that the DAB had betrayed local residents, Hong Kong and the nation. The Police had done wrong, yet the DAB covered up the fault of the leader and refused a thorough investigation to discuss the matter. They were damaging Hong Kong. Mr NG said that he would spread the news around in Caine Road, Sai Ying Pun and Central, both online and on the streets, revealing how the DAB had betrayed Hong Kong people. Mr NG hoped that the Government would understand and agree with the five major demands and the request for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry. He also believed that a genuine democratic system by universal suffrage was indispensable. He hoped that everyone would speak out to support the Hong Kong that we loved.

19. The Chairman invited Mr HUI Chi-fung to make his oral statement.

20. Mr HUI Chi-fung said that for the two demonstrations on 21 July and 28 July, he was not going to specifically condemn the Police again for escalation of force, chasing and beating people, firing tear gas, etc. Nevertheless, Mr HUI strongly condemned the continuous firing of tear gas canisters in residential area that caused tear gas to unceasingly enter into people’s home. He said that after the Police had fired tear gas in residential area during the two demonstrations, he had collected complaints from the public online. So far, more than 50 complaints had been received. Mr HUI said that the complainants requested to lodge the complaint to the Complaints Against Police Office and were also considering making a joint claim for compensation against the tear gas inhaled, the hard feelings and losses suffered. Mr HUI also shared a case that he knew. A pregnant woman was taking care of her four-year-old daughter alone at home. When she heard that the Police had arrived, it was too late for her to close her windows in time. Having inhaled tear gas, she experienced symptoms such as dizziness, coughing, and tearing eyes. Her four-year-old daughter kept complaining of skin ache. The mother, despite her pregnancy, endured the pain and went to wash her daughter. During the process, the daughter cried and complained of bodily pain. Mr HUI pointed out that they were not protestors and why no elected Member had shown their concern. Mr HUI again shared that some kaifongs heard the protestors thoughtfully shouted loud to ask them to close their windows, whereas no caretakers, management companies or police had expressed their concerns or gave advice to the kaifongs. Mr HUI pointed out that a complainant reflected that while he was on his way home after dinner, some protestors offered to escort him to his doorsteps and did not leave until he had entered the building. The complainant queried why the duty of protecting the public did not fall on the Police. Mr HUI said that if protestors were thugs as described by Mr CHAN Chit-kwai , then the thugs in Hong Kong were really lovely people who would protect the general public. Instead, the Police just served the purpose of politics. They beat the protestors, ignored the safety of nearby residents and served only the regime. Mr HUI shared another genuine case, saying that a resident living on the top floor of a tenement building at Queen’s Road West was at home with his second younger sister at the time of the incident. He failed to close the windows in time and had inhaled tear gas. He suffered sneezes and runny nose nonstop. Then his third younger sister was downstairs at the building surrounded by tear gas. His family members, without any protective gear, had no choice but went down to open the gate. Yet they had to retreat into the house shortly because the staircase of the tenement building was already filled with tear gas. It was difficult to breathe and open the eyes. Finally, with great difficulties, the lady was brought back home. She felt short of breath with tears streaming down her cheeks. Mr HUI said this was the Government’s treatment to kaifongs.

21. Mr HUI Chi-fung queried that just how many people to serve the regime against their own conscience did it take before a tyranny could be formed, and why the MTR had to close the stations and make people homeless. Mr HUI had received a complaint from

someone who said that there was no transport available to return home that night, and he was forced to walk back to Kennedy Town and participate in the so-called illegal assembly. Mr HUI pointed out that at the time, Connaught Road West, Des Voeux Road West and Queens Road West were full of protestors, and riot police were deployed all over the Mid-levels. The residents had no intention to participate in the assembly but had no choice. Mr HUI accused the MTR of burying its conscience for the sake of politics and implemented the non-stop measures at some stations when there was absolutely no such need. He strongly censured this. Mr HUI went on to say that many of the persons arrested on 28 July were not protestors. Amongst them were first-aiders, ordinary citizens and some passers-by, yet they were charged with rioting. The future of 44 decent young people was destroyed by the Government. Mr HUI said they were a group of people who were suppressed and oppressed. It was an outrageous tyranny to convict people of “rioting” and it was absolutely shameful. Mr HUI appealed to all Hong Kong citizens, the Administrative Officer, the Executive Officers and staff of the District Office in attendance, especially the young ones, to speak out with their conscience. There was no need to reveal their own names and hence lose their jobs, just said something to make the Government understood their views. Unquestionably, tyranny should not be supported. Mr HUI said that he would like to see those present at the meeting participated in the general strike on 5 August.

22. The Chairman invited Mr YEUNG Hok-ming to make his oral statement.

23. (As Mr YEUNG Hok-ming was disturbed during the time he was making his statement, the Chairman allowed Mr YEUNG Hok-ming to re-start his oral statement as follows)

24. On behalf of DAB members Mr CHAN Hok-fung, Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, Miss LO Yee-hang, Mr YEUNG Hoi-wing and himself, Mr YEUNG Hok-ming made a statement to strongly condemn the large number of protesters who dashed out to the main routes to make roadblocks to disrupt traffic, and illegally gathered in many places during the illegal assembly held between evening time and midnight on 28 July in the C&W District. Mr YEUNG said the protesters paid no heed to the Police’s appeal and refused to leave. When dispersal action was taken, the protestors repeatedly charged at the Police with violence and provoked them. The level of violence of the protesters escalated later. In addition to throwing bricks and stones, they also used bows and arrows, slingshots and imitation firearms. Many places were set on fire and burning pushing carts were pushed towards police officers at the scene. This had posed a safety hazard not only to the Police, but also nearby residents and the society of Hong Kong. Mr YEUNG said that the protesters had surrounded the Kwai Chung Police Station and the Tin Shui Wai Police Station earlier on. They had blocked the police car at the Eastern Magistracy on 31 July.

In his opinion, the protestors had overtly and purposefully caused a breach of the peace, challenged the Police Force and trampled on the rule of law. Mr YEUNG expressed his firm support for the police to maintain order and peace in the society in accordance with the law. Mr YEUNG stated that the Police must take decisive measures to prevent any illegal violent acts by protestors and stop any illegal violent attacks. Mr YEUNG heard that the netizens had initiated a demonstration in the Western District on 4 August. He had also received a large number of opinions from building corporations, management companies, business operators and residents, who worried that the protestors would damage public facilities and block roads. Hence, they hoped Mr YEUNG could raise objection on their behalf. Mr YEUNG continued to say that violent attacks would occur after each demonstration recently. Therefore, he opposed to the demonstration in the Western District on 4 August. He hoped that everyone could allow Hong Kong to take a break and try to settle differences in a rational manner. Mr YEUNG asked everybody to ponder, if we continued to undermine the rule of law, disrupt order and people’s livelihood, who in Hong Kong could win, who could be benefitted if Hong Kong failed. Mr YEUNG stated that it was obligatory to stop advocating and condoning violence, and to unambiguously distant oneself from illegal violence. Mr YEUNG reiterated that illegal violence of any form would never be tolerated, and he hoped that our society would return to rationality.

25. Finally, Chairman LEE Chi-hang made his oral statement.

26. Chairman LEE Chi-hang stated that he had made statements at District Council meetings twice before. He regretted the fierce acts of charging in the past two months. He also felt sad that violence continued to spread and escalate, causing social unrest, public fear and increased social dissension. The Chairman said that violence and fierce acts of charging not only harmed innocent people, but also shocked the entire population of Hong Kong, shaken the public’s confidence in the Police Force and their ability to maintain law and order, and undermined peace in the community. The Chairman stated that he, like the general public, was distressed by casualties, and he did not want to see any more scenes of police-civilian conflicts because the feelings of the general public would be hardest hit whenever there were fierce acts of charging. The Chairman said that he respected the demonstrators’ right to rally and express their demands in a peaceful way, and was also contented that young people were so keen on social affairs. Nonetheless, violence and police-civilian conflicts would not help solve problems and social conflicts, and clashes without direction would only make our society disoriented.

27. Chairman LEE Chi-hang reiterated the following two points:

Hong Kong was a society ruled by law. Democracy was based on rule of law. Rule of law and democracy were interdependent. The Chairman stated that if the general

public ignored the laws, the spirit of rule of law would be gone. Therefore, all acts of violence should be severely condemned, and all those who committed acts of violence should be held legally responsible.

The Government and all sectors should negotiate peacefully and rationally, communicate and dialogue, listen to each other, seek common ground while accommodating differences, and resolve political disputes. The Chairman hoped that the public would work together to restore social order and maintain social harmony as soon as possible.

28. Finally, regarding the application for demonstration on Hong Kong Island West on 4 August, the Chairman stated that the right of the public to express their demands through peaceful demonstration should be respected. However, some residents in the district raised great concerns with the Chairman because based on the experience of the past two months, the chances of recurring violence and fierce acts of charging after the peaceful demonstration were quite high, which would compromise the normal life of the residents and the tranquillity of the community. Therefore, the Chairman hoped that when the Police processed the relevant application, in addition to assessing the situation, the rights and interests of the public should also be taken into account. The Chairman sincerely hoped that, while expressing their demands, all parties must maintain a high degree of restraint and stop all acts of violence. Otherwise Hong Kong society would find it difficult to restore vitality.

29. The Chairman stated that the statements were done and the meeting would proceed.

Item 1 – Adoption of the agenda

30. The agenda of the meeting was adopted.

Item 2 – Confirmation of the minutes of the 8th FC meeting in 2018-19

31. The minutes of the 8th FC meeting in 2018-19 were confirmed by the Committee.

Item 3 – DC funds financial report (2018-19)(C&W FC Paper No. 182/2019)

32. The Home Affairs Department (“HAD”) had allocated $19,440,000 to the C&WDC in the year 2019/20 for organizing community involvement (CI) projects. As at 17 July 2019, after deducting a total of $809,269 to be carried forward to the year 2020/21, the

C&WDC had endorsed $21,138,663.4 for CI projects, which accounted for 108.74% of the $19,440,000 allocated by the HAD. The actual expenditure amounted to $4,152,059.72, accounting for 21.36% of the allocated funding.

Item 4 – Funding applications of special functions(C&W FC Paper Nos. 184/2019 to 187/2019)

33. There were 54 funding applications for consideration at the meeting, involving an allocation of $23,692,625, of which $2,282,625 was funding for CI projects and $21,410,000 was funding for district minor works (“DMW”) projects. If all the applications for CI projects were endorsed, the total amount of funds allocated by the FC of the C&WDC in 2019/20 would be $21,577,936.3.

34. The Chairman invited Members to refer to Paper No. 184/2019 for a total of three funding applications for special functions. The Chairman reminded Members to declare interests prior to the discussion of relevant applications if they had interests in the organizations making the applications.

(Paper No. 185/2019)35. Mr YIP Wing-shing asked that for colleagues of the C&WDC who were also members of the District Festival, whether they were required to make declaration.

36. The Chairman replied that as all colleagues of the C&WDC were members of the District Festival and it was something already made public, it was not necessary to make declaration specially.

37. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $51,000 to the 13th Central and Western District Festival Organization Committee for organizing “Film Appreciation Activities for Elderly”.

(Paper No. 186/2019)38. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $140,000 to the 13th Central and Western District Festival Organization Committee for organizing “The 13th Central & Western District Festival – Dynamic Central & Western District Photo Contest”.

(Paper No. 187/2019)39. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $9,954 to the Friends of Mount Davis Association Limited for organizing “Mount Davis Military Remains Family Trip”.

Item 5 – Funding applications of the committees and working groups under Central & Western District Council(C &W FC Paper Nos. 188/2019 to 210/2019)

40. The Chairman invited Members to refer to Paper No. 188/2019 for a total of 21 funding applications from the C&WDC, its Committees and Working Groups. The Chairman reminded Members to declare interests prior to the discussion of relevant applications if they had interests in the organizations making the applications.

(Paper No. 189/2019)41. Ms BOOK King-shun supplemented on the colour of the red packets. She said that they had tried purple and dark orange red packets in the past. However, before the meeting, some Members had reflected that the kaifongs preferred red. Therefore, red would be used in future to cater for the masses.

42. Mr YIP Wing-shing added that the number of red packets was reduced by 10% per year.

43. Mr KAM Nai-wai said that for Paper No. 190/2019 “Production of C&WDC Red Packets 2020”, he had expressed objection when the Paper was circulated to Members. Mr KAM hoped to have his objection recorded in the funding application of 190/2019. The Chairman said it would be recorded.

44. Ms CHENG Lai-king indicated that for the aforesaid activity, some residents had expressed that the colour used in previous years was unlucky and hoped to change it back to red. The Chairman said the Working Group on Central & Western District Council Affairs had already been informed of this.

45. The Committee endorsed the following three applications submitted by the Working Group on Central & Western District Council Affairs:

- an allocation of $250,000 for organizing “2020 Spring Cantonese Opera Show”;- an allocation of $18,000 for implementing “Production of C&WDC Red

Pockets 2020”; - an allocation of $42,000 for implementing “Production of C&W Calendar

2020”.

(Paper No. 193/2019)46. Regarding the funding application of the Working Group on Concern over the Development of the Central Police Station Compound and Former Police Married Quarters,

Mr CHAN Chit-kwai noted that the dates of gift distribution for the event was from September to October. As 4 October was the starting date of the nomination period for District Council Election, Mr CHAN considered that if District Councillors were assisting in gift distribution, they should be particularly careful and double check the channels for distributing gifts. The Chairman hoped that the person-in-charge could explain whether the gift distribution part of the event could be completed before 4 October.

47. Mr LAU K a-kwan , Executive Officer (District Council) 4 of the Central and Western District Office, said that he would closely monitor the timetable and try to complete the gift distribution before 4 October. The Chairman said that issue in question should be recorded down and gift distribution should be suspended during the District Council Election period, i.e. 4 October to 24 November this year.

48. Mr YIP Wing-shing said that in addition to this event, all gift distribution activities should be completed by September to avoid any controversy and embarrassment. The Chairman stated that should any events fail to finish gift distribution by September, they should postpone it until December to March next year. The Chairman said that the decision would be recorded.

49. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $53,400 to the Working Group on Concern over the Development of the Central Police Station Compound and Former Police Married Quarters for implementing “Publicity Campaign for Tai Kwun and PMQ (2019-2020)”.

(Paper No. 194/2019)50. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $46,725 to the Working Group on Mid-levels Escalators in the Central & Western District for implementing “Publicity Campaign for Mid-levels Escalators in the Central & Western District (2019-2020)”.

(Paper No. 195/2019)51. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $100,260 to the Culture, Leisure & Social Affairs Committee for implementing “Culture in the District 2019-20: Traditional stories appreciation・Promotion of Chinese culture – “Biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru” touring performance to convey the virtues of wisdom and courage”.

(Paper No. 196/2019)52. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $100,620 to the Food, Environment, Hygiene & Works Committee for implementing “Year-end Cleaning Operation in Central & Western District 2020”.

(Paper No. 197/2019)53. Regarding the funding application of Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre, Mr CHAN Chit-kwai and Mr CHAN Choi-hi declared themselves as advisory members of Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre. The Chairman said that since the two Members associated with the organization in a nominal capacity, hence they could still take part in the discussion and voting.

54. Mr YEUNG Hok-ming said that he had discussed with the persons-in-charge and the building corporations concerned, they all agreed to green the buildings. However, an elderly centre said that there were potted plants near Sheung Fung Lane, which created inconvenience for the elderly who wished to hold the railings. Therefore, it was hoped that plants would not be placed near places used by elderly. Moreover, Mr YEUNG said street banners and flower pots placed by the District Office were present at Whitty Street near the MTR station, so he reminded relevant units to avoid obstructing passers-by using the railings.

55. Mr YOUNG Chit-on reminded that it was necessary to discuss with relevant government departments over the use of railings.

56. Mr CHAN Kin-sun, Social Worker of Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre, pointed out that the potted plants would not be hanged higher than the railings, so they should not pose a problem for the elderly. Mr CHAN said that he had discussed the issue with the Highways Department (“HyD”), but was told that HyD would only approve applications from government departments. Hence, he hoped that the District Office could help to negotiate with the department after the funding application was approved.

57. Mrs WONG HO Wing-sze , District Officer (Central and Western) (“DO (C&W)”), stated that hanging objects on railings logically came within the purview of the HyD, while handling and clearing of hanging objects came within the purview of the FEHD, and ground length hangings probably came within the purview of the Lands Department. Therefore, the HyD should be consulted first. If the hanging objects did not obstruct passers-by, the department would generally raise no objection. For the HyD, railings were meant to protect the public, so they were normally not open to public use for hangings. However, if residents did not object to the greening scheme, the organizer could discuss with the department to coordinate related matters after the meeting. DO (C&W) emphasized that the Government encouraged the scheme, but the fact that individual locations were feasible did not mean that all locations were feasible as some of them might cause obstruction to residents. It was hoped that there would be mutual understanding. If residents welcomed the pilot scheme, the Government might make available more locations for the implementation of the scheme.

58. The Chairman emphasized that approval of funding did not necessarily imply that other departments would approve the conduct of the activity. The related issues should be discussed with relevant departments with the assistance of the staff of the District Office after the meeting.

59. Mr CHAN Chit-kwai said that Sheung Fung Lane was mentioned in the above discussion, but it was not cited in the funding application. The Chairman stated that Sheung Fung Lane was used for illustration purposes only.

60. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $16,800 to Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre for implementing “Greening and Beautification of Railings Along Footpaths (Resident Participation) Pilot Scheme”.

(Paper Nos. 198/2019 to 204/2019)61. The Committee endorsed the following seven funding applications for DMW projects:

- an allocation of $360,000 for implementing “Central to Mid-levels Escalator Greening and Beautification Works (2019-2020)”;

- an allocation of $930,000 for implementing “Central and Western District Beautification Works – Footbridge in Central”;

- an allocation of $700,000 for implementing “Central and Western District Beautification Works – Central to Mid-levels Escalator and Walkway System”;

- an allocation of $8,100,000 for implementing “Converting the Waterfront Site Adjoining New Praya Kennedy Town into Temporary Open Space”;

- an allocation of $600,000 for implementing “Enhancement Works for Sands Street”;

- an allocation of $2,600,000 for implementing “Construction Works to Develop the Vacant Site at the Junction of Ladder Street and Circular Pathway in Central to an Open Space”;

- an allocation of $2,300,000 for implementing “Provision of Pet Garden at Pok Fu Lam Road”.

(Paper No. 205/2019)62. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $440,000 to the District Facilities Management Committee for implementing “2019-2020 Central to Mid-levels Escalator System Festive Lighting”.

(Paper Nos. 206/2019 to 210/2019)

63. The Committee endorsed the following three funding applications for DMW projects:

- an allocation of $1,500,000 for implementing “Improvement Works for the Hot Water Supply System of the Changing Rooms of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre”;

- an allocation of $1,605,000 for implementing “Installation of Fitness Equipment at and Improvement Works to Mount Davis Sitting-out Area No. 3”;

- an allocation of $700,000 for implementing “Enhancement Works for the Children’s Play Equipment at Belcher Bay Park (Phase 1)”.

64. Regarding the funding amount of $1,400,000 for implementing “Improving and Upgrading the Facilities of the Children’s Play Room at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre”, Mr KAM Nai-wai inquired about the actual completion date of the project and the aforementioned projects. Ms CHAN S uk-fan , Deputy District Leisure Manager (District Support) Central and Western of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, replied that the works schedule set out in the Annex to the funding application indicated the works would commence in September 2019 and complete in March 2020. Mr KAM asked whether this was the exact date known after tendering and whether the project could be completed earlier. He also pointed out that completion date of works projects was delayed every time. Mr KAM wanted to know whether the date provided was accurate. Ms CHAN S uk-fan said that tender documents would be issued after views were collected. The whole project was expected to be completed within six months. The Chairman stated that if there was a precise date, it could be supplemented to Members after the meeting.

65. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $1,400,000 for implementing “Improving and Upgrading the Facilities of the Children’s Play Room at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre”.

66. Regarding the funding amount of $615,000 for implementing “Facility Improvement Works for Li Sing Street Playground”, Mr KAM Nai-wai asked why the project could not start before February 2020. Mr KAM said that some works, such as the construction of facilities like hand-washing basins, required the identification of suitable location and it was understandable why the works could not be started right away. Nevertheless, it was difficult to comprehend why works like installation of swings and notice boards should commence six months later. Mr KAM said that government departments should, depending on the situation, deal with certain works of the project that could be completed first. Moreover, Mr KAM stated that there was a circulation paper seeking a funding amount of over a million dollars for the said project. Mr KAM asked why more than one million was needed as there was information that the playground would

be rebuilt several years later. It was not worthwhile to launch expensive projects before redevelopment. Mr KAM asked whether it was possible to notify the Urban Renewal Authority (“URA”) about the project under application for their future planning. Ms CHAN S uk-fan said that she received instruction about the project in question in late June. She then contacted the works department, hoping to commence the project as soon as possible. However, arrangements had to be made for tendering of the project, so it was expected that the works would commence around February 2020. The department would endeavour to commence the works sooner if possible. Furthermore, since the URA’s redevelopment plan would not be launched until 4 to 5 years later, some minor works that were necessary and cost-effective would be carried out first. Ms CHAN stated that she would note down the views of Mr KAM and discuss with the URA later.

67. The Chairman added that any questions about the project should be raised at the Working Group on District Minor Works first. Besides, it was hoped that the department could commence those works that could be started and completed first.

68. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $615,000 for implementing “Facility Improvement Works for Li Sing Street Playground”.

Item 6 – Funding applications of the local organizations of the Central & Western District(C&W FC Paper Nos. 211/2019 to 241/2019)

69. The Chairman invited Members to refer to Paper No. 211/2019 for a total of 30 funding applications from local organizations. The Chairman reminded Members to declare interests prior to the discussion of relevant applications if they had interests in the organizations making the applications.

(Paper No. 212/2019)70. Regarding the funding application of Chung Wan and Mid-levels Area Committee, Mr CHAN Chit-kwai declared himself as member of the Chung Wan and Mid-levels Area Committee.

71. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $56,000 to the Chung Wan and Mid-levels Area Committee for implementing “Day for the Elderly”.

(Paper No. 213/2019)72. Regarding the funding application of Kennedy Town & Shek Tong Tsui Area Committee, Mr YIP Wing-shing declared himself as member of that Committee. The Chairman stated that since all C&WDC Members were members of the three Area

Committees, so no special declaration was required. Mr KAM Nai-wai clarified that he was not a member of the Area Committees.

73. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $100,000 to the Kennedy Town & Shek Tong Tsui Area Committee for organizing “13th Central & Western District Festival - Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival in Celebration of 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China”.

(Paper No. 214/2019)74. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $8,090 to the Council of Central & Western District School Heads for organizing “Subject Talk of the Council of Central & Western District School Heads”.

(Paper Nos. 215/2019 to 216/2019)75. The Committee endorsed the following two applications submitted by the Central & Western District Committee on Promotion of IT:

- an allocation of $135,000 for organizing “The 6th Central and Western District Primary Schools Robot Design Competition”;

- an allocation of $ 61,530 for organizing “E-sports Experience Day”.

(Paper No. 217/2019)76. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $123,000 to the Hong Kong Central and Western District Woman Association for organizing “Community IT Training Programme under the IT Advancement Programme for Central and Western District”.

(Paper No. 218/2019)77. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $10,000 to the Lok Kwan Social Service Wong Kong Hon Community Service Centre for organizing “District Guided Tour Training”.

(Paper No. 219/2019)78. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $8,500 to the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Kwun Lung Lau Community Work Office for organizing “Career Orientation and Tutorial Classes for Youth”.

(Paper Nos. 220/2019 to 221/2019)79. The Committee endorsed the following two funding applications submitted by the Hong Kong Catholic Marriage Advisory Council Grace and Joy Integrated Family Service Centre:

- an allocation of $ 3,700 for implementing “Families Learn to Cook”;- an allocation of $9,320 for implementing “Ocean Park Fun Experience”.

(Paper Nos. 222/2019 to 224/2019)80. Regarding the funding application of Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre, Mr CHAN Chit-kwai declared himself as advisory member of Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre. The Chairman said that since the Member associated with the organization in a nominal capacity, hence he could still take part in the discussion and voting.

81. The Committee endorsed the following three funding applications submitted by Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre:

- an allocation of $10,250 for organizing “‘Flying High’ Drama by Non-Chinese Speaking Children and Youth”;

- an allocation of $34,500 for organizing “Cricket Training cum Cricket Invitation Tournament for Children and Youth”;

- an allocation of $24,820 for organizing “‘You are the Best’ Awards Ceremony for Newly-arrived and Non-Chinese Speaking Students”.

(Paper Nos. 225/2019 to 226/2019)82. Regarding the funding application of the Central & Western District Association for Culture and Arts, Mr CHAN Chit-kwai declared himself as member of the Central & Western District Association for Culture and Arts. The Chairman said that since the Member associated with the organization in a nominal capacity, hence he could still take part in the discussion and voting.

83. The Committee endorsed the following two funding applications submitted by the Central & Western District Association for Culture and Arts:

- an allocation of $15,520 for organizing “Music Concert in Celebration of the New Year”;

- an allocation of $25,000 for organizing “Joint Concert of Instrumental Music”.

84. The Chairman stated that after the last meeting, the funding reserved for application by other local organizations still had an unspent sum of $112,652.7, whereas the total amount of funding applications submitted by local organizations at this meeting was $388,816, a sum of $276,163.3 was still outstanding. Earlier on, the CLSAC had approved to transfer the unspent funding allocation of $200,715 for Culture in the District and the

unspent funding allocation of $57,700 for civic education activities to the FC for application by other local organizations. Furthermore, the Working Group on Environmental Improvement, Greening and Beautification Works in C&W District had also approved to transfer the unspent funding allocation of $38,820 to the FC for application by other local organizations. If Members agreed to the transfer, funding applications submitted by local organizations could probably be fully approved at this meeting. The Chairman would reconfirm the arrangements with the Chairman of the CLSAC and the Chairman of the Working Group on Environmental Improvement, Greening and Beautification Works in C&W District.

(Paper No. 227/2019)85. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $27,150 to the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Kwun Lung Lau Community Work Office for implementing “Kwun Lung Volunteering Project”.

(Paper No. 228/2019)86. Regarding the funding application of the Hong Kong Central and Western District Woman Association, Mr HUI Chi-fung said that the objective of the applicant organization was to serve women. However, the theme of the event was to celebrate the anniversary of the Basic Law and applaud the development of the nation, and promote values like tolerance and care under the Basic Law. Mr HUI hoped that the applicant would explain the relevance of the activity to its objective. Ms CHENG Lai-king hoped that the applicant would explain the relevance of orchid arts to the Basic Law.

87. Ms CHIU Wah-kuen, Chairman of the Hong Kong Central and Western District Woman Association, responded that she noticed the public did not know much about the nation’s conditions, so she hoped to organize cultural activities such as art exhibitions to enlighten kaifongs and help them understand the national conditions. Mr HUI hoped that the organizer would explain again the relationship between the activity and the Basic Law and how the activity could reflect values that could not be explicitly expressed in the Basic Law, such as care, respect and tolerance; as well as what guests would be invited to the event and whether officials from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region would be invited.

88. Ms CHIU said that values such as tolerance, respect, and care were inclusively promoted under the Basic Law, and citizens need to embrace these values in order to achieve social harmony. The activity was not about forcibly instilling the content of the Articles, but it was believed that the nature of the Basic Law covered the much-needed social values of tolerance, respect and care, so the activity hoped to cultivate the citizen’s temperament through national cultures such as orchid arts.

89. Mr HUI Chi-fung believed that the activity was not among the regular events organized by the Hong Kong Central and Western District Woman Association. He hoped that the Secretariat and the Chairman would explain whether it was because the term of the District Council was coming to an end and there was extra transferrable money available from other Committees, so here came this application.

90. Mr YOUNG Chit-on asked about the service targets of past funded activities organized by the Hong Kong Central and Western District Woman Association. Mr YOUNG said that if the Association had fixed service targets, then the activities organized should be based on the needs of the clients, rather than something that the Association wanted to organize and then attract interested participants.

91. Ms CHIU Wah-kuen stated that the Hong Kong Central and Western District Woman Association would not remain static, and this activity was once held two years ago. This year, it was held again in response to the demand of the community and the neighborhood. Ms CHIU emphasized that the Association was just responding to the needs of society. The Secretary pointed out that the Association’s application was considered together with applications from other groups, it was not because there was unspent funding. Mrs WONG HO Wing-sze , DO(C&W), said that past applications of Basic Law related activities held by the Association were under the funding of the Joint Committee for the Promotion of the Basic Law of Hong Kong (“Joint Committee”). Mr HUI thanked DO(C&W) for the supplementary information. He pointed out that the content of the Basic Law related activities organized through the funding of the Joint Committee in the past was relatively biased, which had caused disturbances in the previous term of the District Council. Mr HUI believed that the application for this activity was implausible and failed to relate to the Basic Law. He hoped to have his opposed views recorded down. At the same time, Mr HUI hoped that the applicant organization would pay attention to the rights of Hong Kong people set out in the Basic Law, such as universal suffrage of the Legislative Council and the Chief Executive; freedom of speech, of association, of assembly, of the press; and free from torture. Mr HUI believed that the Committee would welcome applications from the applicant organization if its future activities would promote the said infomation. The Chairman stated that Mr HUI Chi-fung’s opposed views would be recorded.

92. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $54,390 to the Hong Kong Central and Western District Woman Association for organizing “‘Heart in China Love for Both Places’ Exhibition in Celebration of the 22nd Anniversary of the Implementation of the Basic Law”.

(Paper No. 229/2019)93. Regarding the Hong Kong Y.W.C.A. Western District Integrated Social Service Centre, Mr HUI Chi-fung declared himself as the parent of a student of the kindergarten under the Centre. The Chairman stated that the parents of students associated with the organization in a nominal capacity, hence Mr HUI Chi-fung could still take part in the discussion.

94. The Committee endorsed an allocation of $16,726 to the Hong Kong Y.W.C.A. Western District Integrated Social Service Centre for implementing “Walk Along with Love”.

(Paper Nos. 230/2019 to 232/2019)95. Regarding “A Madman’s Diary” to be implemented by the Caritas Jockey Club Integrated Service for Young People – Shek Tong Tsui, Mr CHAN Chit-kwai remarked that the activity was worthy of recognition because it enabled a discussion on deep-rooted ideas and introspection based on Lu Xun’s works.

96. The Committee endorsed the following three applications submitted by the Caritas Jockey Club Integrated Service for Young People – Shek Tong Tsui:

- an allocation of $24,695 for implementing “‘Dream Take Off’ Life Planning Programme”;

- an allocation of $30,000 for implementing “A Madman’s Diary”;- an allocation of $19,750 for implementing “#I Wanna Let You See More”.

(Paper Nos. 233/2019 to 241/2019)97. Regarding Caritas Community Centre – C aine Road , Mr NG Siu-hong declared himself as Chairman of the organization’s Advisory Committee, and Ms NG Hoi-yan declared herself as a member of that Advisory Committee. The Chairman stated that since the association with the organization was in a nominal capacity, the two Members could still take part in the discussion and voting.

98. The Committee endorsed the following nine applications submitted by the Caritas Community Centre – C aine Road :

- an allocation of $23,170 for implementing “Building Together Our Community”;

- an allocation of $11,210 for implementing “Happy English Academy (Phase I)”;- an allocation of $21,210 for implementing “Learning Together – After-school

Homework Tutorial Classes for Grassroots Students”;

- an allocation of $19,435 for implementing “Parent-child Volunteer Group – Community Integration Services”;

- an allocation of $6,570 for implementing “Santa Claus Carnival”;- an allocation of $9,130 for implementing “Close-knit Neighbourhood –

Harmonious Community Project”;- an allocation of $19,430 for implementing “Musical Life – Discovery Journey”;- an allocation of $85,250 for implementing “Life x Music x Dance x Theatre

Training Programme”;- an allocation of $20,700 for implementing “Talent Training Programme for

Youth”.

Item 7 – Inspection of DC-funded activities

99. A total of 30 activities to be conducted by local organizations were considered at this meeting. It was suggested that one-third of them, i.e. 10 activities, should be drawn out for inspection.

100. The Chairman drew out 10 activities for inspection:

FC Paper No. Name of Activity Applicant OrganizationFC Paper No.

216/2019E-sports Experience Day Central & Western District

Committee on Promotion of ITFC Paper No.

219/2019Career Orientation and Tutorial

Classes for YouthHong Kong Young Women’s

Christian Association Kwun Lung Lau Community Work Office

FC Paper No. 222/2019

“Flying High” Drama by Non-Chinese Speaking Children and

Youth

Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre

FC Paper No. 224/2019

“You are the Best” Awards Ceremony for Newly-arrived and Non-Chinese Speaking Students

Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre

FC Paper No. 227/2019

Kwun Lung Volunteering Project Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Kwun Lung

Lau Community Work OfficeFC Paper No.

228/2019“Heart in China Love for Both

Places” Exhibition in Celebration of the 22nd Anniversary of the

Implementation of the Basic Law

Hong Kong Central and Western District Woman Association

FC Paper No. A Madman’s Diary Caritas Jockey Club Integrated

231/2019 Service for Young People – Shek Tong Tsui

FC Paper No. 233/2019

Building Together Our Community

Caritas Community Centre – Caine Road

FC Paper No. 235/2019

Learning Together – After-school Homework Tutorial Classes for

Grassroots Students

Caritas Community Centre – Caine Road

FC Paper No. 241/2019

Talent Training Programme for Youth

Caritas Community Centre – Caine Road

Item 8 – Additional Funding for Recruitment of Executive Assistants, Project Coordinator and Project Assistant by the Central and Western District Council (2019/2020) and Recruitment of an Executive Assistant for the 13th Central & Western District Festival (2019-2020)(C&W FC Paper No. 242/2019)

101. The Chairman stated that the C&WDC had approved funding at its 17th meeting for the recruitment of seven Executive Assistants, one Project Coordinator and one Project Assistant to assist in the implementation of the work and activities of the District Council; and for the recruitment of an Executive Assistant to implement the 13th Central & Western District Festival. The HAD had conducted a preliminary review of the remuneration of Non-Civil Service Contract Staff (NCSC Staff) in the department. The basic remuneration of District Council staff would be adjusted proportionately. For details, Members could refer to Paper No. 242/2019. The related financial implication was $319,000. At present, the amount approved by the District Council for the employment of NCSC Staff was sufficient to cover staff expenses from April 2019 to February 2020 (inclusive of salary adjustments). As the additional expenditure covered the operation of the District Council Secretariat of the new term, it was therefore recommended that additional funding should be sought after the formation of the new District Council. The C&WDC had reserved 5% of the funds allocated for the current term of the District Council for use by the District Council of the new term in accordance with the HAD Guidelines. If additional funds were approved later, that amount would be deducted from the sum reserved for the District Council of the new term.

102. The Committee endorsed the proposal.

Item 9 – Any other business

103. The Chairman stated that the Secretariat had received an anonymous complaint in

the last financial year. An employee of a social welfare agency was suspected to have tampered with the amount of one of the receipts when submitting the summary report and receipts of an activity to the District Council, and requested reimbursement of an amount more than the actual expenditure. Upon receipt of the relevant complaint, the case was reported to the Police with the consent of the Chairman of the C&WDC and the Chairman of the Finance Committee. According to the Secretariat’s understanding, the relevant agency had conducted an internal investigation and the staff concerned had already left his post. As the case was still under police investigation pending results, it was not recommended to disclose information about the agency. To protect Members’ right to know, the Secretariat would keep the information of the incident. The Chairman advised that any Member who need to know the relevant information could directly contact the Secretariat to have a look. Besides, as the case was still under investigation, the Chairman requested Members to keep the relevant information confidential. The Chairman said that after checking, no problem was found with other receipts of the activity, and the agency was also able to provide photos to prove that the event had indeed been held. It was proposed that apart from the problematic receipt, reimbursement to other prepaid expenses for the activity be made to the organization. The Secretariat would make corresponding arrangements.

104. Mr YOUNG Chit-on hoped to be informed of the approximate amount. The Chairman stated that it was within four digits.

105. The Committee endorsed the proposal. 106. Mrs WONG HO Wing-sze , DO(C&W), stated that the meeting was the last meeting of the current term of the District Council. She hoped to report on the work of the past three years and said that the work done was a joint effort with 15 Members since 2016. DO(C&W) first reported on the work of the DMW, saying that although some Members had reflected that the progress of DMW was slow, the funding amount and the number of minor works had actually increased by an average of 60% in the past few years. At the same time, some of the unfinished projects of the last term of the District Council (including those beyond the scope of the District Office) were dealt with. DO(C&W) emphasized that this was the credit of co-operation between Members and departments. In the case of minor works, DO(C&W) stated that with almost zero growth in manpower, the 1.5 staff in charge of the work were responsible for about a hundred minor works and daily maintenance work on average. Besides, DO(C&W) pointed out that funding for the District-led Actions Scheme had continued to increase, from some $4 million in the beginning to about $8 million this year. She had also reflected to the Director about Members’ concerns on issues of rodent and environmental hygiene, and had increased resources to cope with them. DO(C&W) also thanked the Council’s support for the

implementation of new initiatives, including new facilities such as the “WE Park” which was opened on 25 August. She also hoped that more public space could be opened up on Hong Kong Island for the remaining time. As for the CI projects, DO(C&W) said that the number of applications had increased from some 180 applications per year at the beginning to more than 200 per year. Regarding the demand for more new activities reflected by Members, she said that about 10-20% of the programmes under the current term of the District Council were brand new events. Applicant organizations were requested to organize new events. At the same time, more than a dozen new groups had submitted funding applications to the C&WDC for the first time.

107. DO(C&W) continued to share some of the projects successfully implemented in the C&W District. The first was the Central and Western District Promenade, something that the public had been striving for more than a decade. On behalf of the residents, DO(C&W) thanked the District Council for realization of this project. The other was the $100 million project under the Signature Project Scheme (“SPS”). DO(C&W) said that this was the first completed project amongst the SPS projects in the 18 districts, and the project was well received by the residents. Moreover, the C&W District was also the first district to have principals, social workers, resident representatives, young people, etc. directly participating in the work of the District Office to coordinate district services and development. People from different sectors could express their opinions. A youth-led network of about 300 people was also established in the C&W District. Students and working people could participate in person in discussions on various projects in the C&W District. DO(C&W) said that she and her team would continue to work industriously, with the aim of sustaining local residents’ spirit of innovation and continuing to innovate in various aspects such as public space. DO(C&W) felt honoured to serve in this post and appreciated the opportunity available in the District Council for Members to express their opinions and maintain pluralistic views, which also reflected the quality of the residents of the C&W District. DO(C&W) thanked Members for their continuous efforts and tolerance. She also felt the spirit of change, pluralism and inclusion of the residents when she visited the community. DO(C&W) used riding bicycle as a metaphor, describing herself as the rider taking Members to different destinations with her bike. Though individual Members had different demands, whoever and whenever a Member sat on her bike, she was willing to carry them to different places to deal with district affairs. DO(C&W) was also glad that she had taken various Members to every corner of the district in the past few years. To wrap up, she encouraged those in attendance with lyrics of a song and hoped that everyone would continue to stand fast on their posts and work for the well-being of residents in the district.

108. The Chairman stated that this was the last FC meeting of the current term of the District Council. He thanked Members for their support and efforts, and also

acknowledged colleagues of the Secretariat for their hard work.

109. The meeting was adjourned at 4:24 pm.

Chairman: Mr LEE Chi-hang , MH

Secretary: M s YIP Wing-yan, Sonia

Central and Western District Council SecretariatAugust 2019