[BRO] Ye Liu criticizes society only for "gossip" sanctions list

Politics

Written by: Zheng Rongdi

2019-12-02 14:07

US President Trump recently signed the Hong Kong Bill of Rights and Democracy. The bill officially came into effect, requiring the president to formulate a list of sanctions and impose different forms of sanctions on those who eroded Hong Kong ’s autonomy and the rule of law, such as denial of entry and freezing of assets in the United States.

Ye Liu Shuyi, chairman of the New Democratic Party, who has been named on the sanctions list by Solomon Yue, a member of the Republican Party, said that Hong Kong's political and media ignorance of the provisions of the Bill of Rights may hinder the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, especially China. The transfer of high-tech technology to the Greater Bay Area through Hong Kong will hurt Hong Kong's innovation and technology development even more. She criticized most people for adopting a "gossip" mentality, focusing only on the sanctions list for "relieving personal grievances." "It's a pity that my vision is narrow and short-sighted."

Ye Liu pointed out that the Bill of Rights may hinder the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. (Profile picture)

Chen Zhenying advocates increasing gaming tax

The Legislative Council convened a Financial Affairs Committee in the morning. The Financial Secretary, Chen Maobo, responded to Ye Taishi, saying that the impact of the Bill of Rights on Hong Kong's innovation and technology and the development of the Greater Bay Area was the key point. However, he declined to comment further on the impact of the bill, saying that a joint committee will be convened in the Legislative Council this Friday for further discussions.

In addition, Chen Zhenying, a member of the financial sector, asked the government in the Legislative Council if there are many international countries that have issued tourist warnings to Hong Kong, which will affect Hong Kong's economy. What are the countermeasures? Chen Maobo pointed out that the demonstrations in the past few months have turned into violent shocks, which is an important reason for the international community to issue tourist warnings to Hong Kong. If travel warnings are cancelled overseas, social order must first be restored.

When asked if he would consider introducing indirect taxes or increasing betting taxes, Chen Maobo said that the narrow tax base in Hong Kong is a long-term issue and a topic that needs to be addressed in the long run. There are different opinions in society and the timing is very important. He pointed out that the current gaming tax rate is not low. Once it is raised, the government must consider whether it will lead to more illegal gaming activities on the periphery.

Chen Maobo. (Profile picture)

Actively study tax payment by instalments

According to Lu Weiguo, chairman of the National People ’s League, allowing individuals or businesses to delay paying taxes for half a year, or paying by instalments, and concerned about whether the government is considering reducing rates and subsidizing household electricity bills, Chen Maobo said the government would actively study the above measures.

Mo Naiguang, a member of the Legislative Council of the information technology industry, questioned the central government's interference in the rule of law in Hong Kong, narrowing the freedom of information, and shaking foreign confidence in Hong Kong as an international financial center. Chen Maobo expressed disagreement, saying that the allegations were baseless and wrong, and that while overseas rating agencies and the government are concerned about Hong Kong's situation, the information they have is hardly immune to biased media reports, and the Hong Kong government needs to clarify the local reality with the international community.

Government recorded 119.4 billion deficits in first 7 months as major income such as salaries tax and profits tax have not yet been collected

Chen Maobo Legislative Council pays taxes