HK Desperate to Reopen Border with China

Hong Kong anxiously waits for the green light from Beijing

For the longest time Macau was seen as the role model on how to keep the coronavirus pandemic at bay, but in the last few days it has uncovered a cluster of at least four local infections stemming from security guards at a quarantine hotel and has spread to others related to renovation work.

The city has mandated the entire population of 650,000 go through another test within 48 hours to try to root out the source, though the previous two tests have come up with nothing.

Some 650,000 Macanese are tested within 48 hours

Macanese civil servants were told to work from home, face-to-face classes for primary and secondary schools were suspended, and there is a 14-day quarantine still in place for those from Zhuhai to Macau. Even Macao Post has suspended mail service for three days.

But wait -- casinos remain open...

Meanwhile Hong Kong has had zero local cases in 49 days and still Beijing refuses to lift border restrictions between the city and the mainland.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor pledged this was a priority for her administration and said the government would do whatever it takes to have quarantine-free travel between Hong Kong and China.

"For the sake of reopening the border, the city government is willing and determined to improve anything located by our mainland counterparts to make our measures more in line with their standards, or to convince them our anti-epidemic mechanism will not [create] a gap," Lam said ahead of her weekly meeting with the Executive Council.

Lam keen to do whatever it takes to open border

"We have already made it very clear our focus is on [reopening] with the mainland as Hongkongers have a strong need to cross the border, be it from an economic or livelihood perspective," she said.

Her administration is waiting for feedback from mainland experts and would decide the next steps after an internal assessment.

China seems to be concerned about Hong Kong's cross-border measures and the continued reporting of imported cases -- but this has now become standard information people want to know and expect to hear. It is important to know where these infections are coming from and stemming them if they become relatively high.

It is clear where Lam's priorities lie.

"International tourism, as well as international business activities, of course matter to us, but that is not comparable with the mainland... Many foreign corporations which have set up a branch in Hong Kong also run businesses on the mainland. So being able to cross the border to inspect their businesses or deliberate with their investors also matters a lot to them," she said.

Lam's priority is the mainland, not rest of world

Unlike other countries that have decided to "live with the virus", this is not an option for Hong Kong if it ever wants the mainland to lift border restrictions.

So even though China tells Lam to jump, and she asks, "How high?", Beijing doesn't have an answer.

This is a limbo that has made lots of Hong Kong residents either pleased that an influx of mainlanders aren't coming in, or desperate for tourists to keep their businesses alive, or see loved ones. 

And it will drag on until at least February, 2022...

HK to Push Up Elderly Vaccination Rate

Fewer than 30 percent of seniors over 70 have their first jab

 

Looks like Hong Kong might really be getting serious about pushing up vaccination rates now as there are plans for government workers to go door-to-door to visit the elderly and persuade them to get the jab. 

Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen, who is overseeing the vaccination drive, stressed the city was behind its target of inoculating at least 70 percent of the eligible population. Fewer than 30 percent of residents over 70 years old had gotten their first dose, and the rate was substantially lower for those over 80, he noted. 

"Elderly people in the city are the group least interested in vaccination. We have to be more proactive, and make getting into the community to reach senior people our coming strategy," he told a radio program.

Nip says workers will visit elderly door-to-door

However, one should keep in mind that many university students like the ones at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in Clear Water Bay must be fully vaccinated to even be allowed on campus, teachers must be jabbed, and many companies have pushed hard for their staff to get vaccinated, particularly those in the hospitality industry.

At the start of the vaccination program, when seniors were invited to get inoculated first, there were reports of those who had serious side effects, and some died -- that were not at all related to the vaccine -- which scared off many elderly residents.

To that end Nip says talks will be organized as some housing estates and malls, with free consultations and immediate vaccination on site.

"We will also do more talks at care homes for the elderly, as most of them did not get vaccinated there due to family members' worries," he added.

Doctors will be on hand to give consultations

Going door-to-door is a very strong step up from trying to persuade people to get jabbed in press conferences. Depending on how they approach the seniors, government workers may get doors slammed in their faces or adamant refusals to get vaccinated.

Maybe they should have teamed up with the Census and Statistics Department a few months ago to not only count the number of residents in Hong Kong but also check to see if they have been inoculated.

Implementing this strategy now shows the government was not that serious about pushing for vaccinations, and seems to use this as an excuse to continue the restrictive social-distancing measures, particularly gatherings at a maximum of four people outside.

Meanwhile the Standard Chartered Marathon 2021 really is happening on October 24 when a total of 18,500 runners (all fully vaccinated) will take part in the 10K, half marathon and full marathon... 

The Standard Chartered Marathon is going ahead

I did not get chosen in the lottery to run the 10K, and just as well, as the starting point has moved to the Western Harbour Crossing toll booth, which means running through the cross-harbour tunnel (which I hear is a slog) and finishing at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. 

Running in October will also be more challenging with the humidity than the usual time of late January, early February, and I have hardly been training either, opting instead to walking.

Nevertheless, we wish the government good luck in trying to persuade seniors to get jabbed... they can be a tough crowd!

More on Govt Payroll to Take Oath

More people on government payroll must take the oath

The campaign to get civil servants to take the oath continues, and not only does it apply to those in public office and 170,000 civil servants in all ranks, but also to those on non-civil service contracts, 

It was announced on Friday that 22,000 full time and part time staff hired for jobs such as cleaners on contract, plumbers, engineers, doctors, clerks, teachers in public schools, and even lifeguards at public swimming pools must pledge their allegiance to uphold the Basic Law. 

Leung worries people won't take govt jobs

They will have three weeks to decide to sign the declaration to take the oath of allegiance; if not, they face losing their jobs.

Oath taking was introduced following the implementation of the national security law late last June. Article 6 states that any resident "who stands for election or assumes public office" must swear to uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the city.

Leung Chau-ting, chairman of the Federation of Civil Service Unions, said non-civil service staff usually fill temporary or urgent positions.

"Most of them were hired on contracts which were renewed every year, and... the government has been hiring many people under non-civil service terms during the pandemic," he said.

Leung worried that the declaration requirement would deter some people from taking up or staying in these positions.

"Many of them are just front line staff joining the government on a short-term basis to share the civil servants' workload... They could be worried that after they signed the declaration, there would be things they cannot say or do."

Lifeguards at public pools must take oath now

While some might think the oath is just another requirement in exchange for a stable job and high salary, signing the declaration  can be used against them if they are not careful. 

Does a life guard taking the oath make them better at watching swimmers in the pool? A contract cleaner will be more patriotic in picking up garbage off the streets?

The mainlandization of Hong Kong continues.

 

 

 

Almost 130 Civil Servants Fail to Sign Oath

Carrie Lam (centre) led oath for senior government officials

 

The Hong Kong government's human resources department is going to be extremely busy these days, with almost 130 civil servants refusing to sign the oath of allegiance and some have resigned, while others will be sacked.

The vast majority of the 180,000 civil service have signed the declaration, according to Secretary for Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen. 

Nip said 129 people did not sign the declaration

At a Legislative Council public service panel meeting on Monday, Nip said 129 civil servants either neglected or refused to sign and return the declaration. Among them are 16 disciplined service officers, the rest were civilians.

He said 25 have resigned, while most will be sacked under civil service regulations.

"For those who ignored or refused to sign the declaration, we will doubt whether they are willing to bear the responsibilities as civil servants and whether they are fit to carry out their duties. In other words, we don't have faith in them," Nip said.

Since October all civil servants must sign the oath of allegiance, pledging to uphold the Basic Law, bear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, be dedicated to their duties and be responsible to the government.

Civil servants who have taken the oath are also expected to support government policies, including implementation of the national security law.

Civil servants expected to support policies, laws

"For those who sign the pledge, if they act or say something against the government, such as promoting Hong Kong independence or colluding with foreign forces, they would be deemed breaching their pledge of allegiance and subject to dismissal," Nip said.

The explanations of some civil servants on why they didn't sign the declaration include claiming it infringes on their freedom of speech, disagreeing with the oath's content, and that it might conflict with the foreign passport they held.

However, Nip found these excuses were not acceptable.

"As civil servants, they should not say something in public against the government or the Basic Law. I don't see how the oath-taking would infringe upon their freedom of speech, or be in conflict with holding a foreign passport," he said.

Nip does have a point -- why have people in the civil service who are wavering or feel it's against their ethics.

But he will also find it harder to recruit people in future, particularly young people to keep the civil service going...

Quote of the Day: Chief Secretary on Oath-Taking

Cheung (left) says oath-taking is "nothing special" on RTHK

 

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung tried to play down civil servants having to take the oath of allegiance to the Basic Law and HKSAR.

In a radio show this morning he said taking the oath was only a basic responsibility.

"I think people should not suspect that taking the oath will put civil servants in a difficult position... People should not look at this from a biased point of view, it's nothing special," he said.

Lam (left) presides over civil servants' oath-taking

"It's like asking you to support your company in an employment contract. When you work for a company, mustn't you wholeheartedly want the company to develop?"

Most people would agree that if they were employed by a company they would want to do the best job they could to help their employer to succeed, as promotions and pay rises would be in their favour.

But no one has to take an oath to do that -- it's understood.

However, for Cheung to say the oath is "nothing special" is quite odd.

How can one erase that stark image of the bare large room with Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-gnor standing there presiding over a group of people (socially distanced) and raising their right hand to pledge allegiance.

New American citizens taking the oath are proud

It's hardly like when people take the naturalization oath of allegiance to the United States, where they are excited, emotional and proud.

Instead the Hong Kong civil servants are expected to take this oath, and if they don't agree, then they are not going to be promoted, or worse, told to leave.

The Pledge for Political Obedience

All 180,000 civil servants must take oath within a month

 

Starting tomorrow, all government under secretaries and political assistants will take the oath of allegiance to kick start the process for the entire 180,000-strong civil service to be completed within a month. Sources say Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor will personally administer the vows for the political appointees.

Then on Friday, senior civil servants, including permanent secretaries and department heads will also take the oath which is:

Nip pushes through oath allegiance in civil service

I declare that, being appointed as a civil servant of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, I will uphold the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, bear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, be dedicated to my duties and be responsible to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 

It's a mouthful to be sure. 

But what is the point of this exercise?

One would assume if someone takes a job with the civil service that they would act in the best interests of Hong Kong, no? Does this really need to be spelled out?

But apparently yes, according to Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen.

Civil servants protested August 2019 in Central

He says those who refuse to take the oath could jeopardize their chances at promotion, or even lose their jobs. Originally Nip said if they breach their promise, they could be violating the national security law, but later revised his statement to say breaching the oath did not necessarily amount to a criminal offense. 

Being vague about it makes civil servants, and by extension the public even more skeptical about the whole oath-taking.

This exercise, where the rest of the civil service will have to sign the declaration, is a witch hunt to find those who participated in the anti-government protests that erupted in June 2019 over the since-withdrawn extradition bill. 

In August last year, thousands of civil servants gathered in Central to demand an independent inquiry into police handling of protests, and the withdrawal of the extradition bill.

Meanwhile those who already joined the civil service since July 1 have already signed the declaration pledging allegiance, almost 3,000 of them.

National security law makes it harder to protest

Why should the government worry about dissent in the civil service ranks when the national security law has already been implemented, making it near impossible for people to protest? 

On top of that because of the coronavirus pandemic, social-distancing measures have limited to two people in public spaces also make it practically meaningless to try to create any kind of visible push back.

Once the civil service have completed declaring their oath to the Hong Kong SAR, who is next? Teachers? The media? 

It can't come fast enough.

Beijing Draws Red Line on Judiciary

Beijing plans reforms in judiciary, will it sustain the pressure?

 

In the past few months, Beijing has targeted the legislature, now with only two opposition lawmakers, and the media has been under pressure, with the likes of Apple Daily raided, its founder under investigation, and RTHK under pressure to conform to become the communications branch of the government.

Now the central government is focusing the judiciary, that reforms need to be made. This was outlined by Zhang Xiaoming, deputy director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, during the Basic Law 30th Anniversary Legal Summit.

Zhang says patriotism will be added to reforms

"People who love the country and Hong Kong will govern Hong Kong, and people who are anti-China and cause trouble in Hong Kong are out," he said. "This is a political rule under 'one country, two systems', and has become a legal requirement now."

Although Zhang called for the "one country, two systems" governing formula, under which Hong Kong is allowed a high degree of autonomy, to be implemented comprehensively and accurately, he also said the city's constitutional systems must be upgraded, and misconceptions replaced with the correct principles, such as patriotism.

"Hong Kong treasures core values such as democracy, freedom and human rights. But before that, we need to add the term 'patriotism'," he said. "While we must talk of seeking common ground and setting aside differences, we must also insist on bottom lines. The firmer we are on the bottom line, the bigger the room for political tolerance."

This means "Basic Law-related work" needed to be done, such as "oath optimization" and "qualification screening" for civil servants, national education, and judicial reform. He didn't elaborate, though one is curious what "oath optimization" means.

The Basic Law is being changed by Beijing

Under the new security law, civil servants must pledge allegiance to Hong Kong and the Basic Law. Zhang said these moves were aimed to correct "wrongful activities" and cover loopholes.

"Right now is the time to sort out what is true and what is false," Zhang said, adding that people who do not recognize the "motherland" or threaten the country's national security, do not fall in line with the Basic Law.

"Only those who are patriotic should be in place, otherwise they should be removed from the system," Zhang said.

Patriotism will extend to "all walks of life" eventually. It is similar to then US president George Bush's post 9/11 speech, "Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."

Teresa Cheng and Carrie Lam at today's event

Is this something Hongkongers are prepared for, young and old, men, women, children, no matter what job you have, from a street cleaner to a tycoon?

If not, you will be removed from the system unless you remove yourself first.

Patriotism is an Obligation, not an Option

City Garden Hotel is celebrating National Day with pride

 

Tomorrow is not only Mid-Autumn Festival, but also the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Some businesses are trying to show how patriotic they are, with City Garden Hotel plastering two flags, the Hong Kong and Chinese flags to celebrate national day.

Luo said patriotism is a duty, not a choice

There's also another big banner in Admiralty near a flyover for everyone to see.

The campaign to force Hongkongers into submission continued today with Luo Huining, director of the liaison office stressed patriotism is not an option but an obligation.

"As Chinese, loving the country is not a choice, but a duty, and even more so, the correct path," he said.

Stark words for people still reeling from last year's extradition protests, and now the recently implemented national security law.

"The National People's Congress enacted the Hong Kong national security law to end the madness of Hong Kong independence advocacy and the black violence that ran out of control," Luo said, referring to the colour worn by anti-government protesters.

He added civil servants and students should receive more education on national security, the country's situation, Chinese history and culture, the Chinese constitution, and the Basic Law.

Red banners celebrating national day

To demand Hongkongers to be patriotic to China is while not surprising, will not win the hearts and minds of the people. 

This hard line approach will only make people more recalcitrant.

Meanwhile also today the families of the 12 detained in Shenzhen pleaded in front of the liaison office to be able to pass messages and mooncakes to their loved ones.

The People's Procuratorate in Shenzhen's Yantian district said this evening they had approved the arrests of 10 in the group over crossing the national border unlawfully, and two others for planning the offense. 

A woman, who is wanted by Hong Kong police, and Tang Kai-yin, a 30-year-old salesman who was earlier charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent were both accused of organizing the operation.

Pro-establishment newspaper Sing Tao Daily cited a source saying that Tang was the driver of the speedboat with 11 others on board.

Under China's Criminal Law, people arrested for illegally crossing face one year in jail, but those who are convicted of organizing others to do so can be sentenced to up to seven years in jail.  If someone is found to have a principal role in operating a syndicate for illegal border crossings, or who violently resist law enforcement, the penalty can be life in prison.

To hear the 12 have been formally arrested and charged will be devastating news for the families.  

This year Mid-Autumn Festival will be sombre one with the coronavirus pandemic, social-distancing limited to four in public, and now dramatic weather with thunderstorms and heavy rain... and yes -- love the country -- it's a must!

Chief Secretary Advises Youth to Wash Dishes

Matthew Cheung says young people should lower their job expectations

Senior government officials think they understand the lives of average Hongkongers, but they really do live in an ivory tower. Career bureaucrats are the worst people to dispense career advice to the next generation.

At a virtual meeting held by the Youth Development Commission yesterday, Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung tried to assuage young people's fears about their job prospects in the current economic climate.

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in Hong Kong's unemployment rate at 6.1 percent, but for young people aged 15-29 it is as high as 22.1 percent, while for those aged 20-24 it is 16.2 percent.

Unemployment among young people is as high as 22 percent

He said the government will hire 10,000 civil servants this year, with most of them being junior positions, and that there were 5,000 internships with the government and HK$6 billion for youth entrepreneurship and employment.

Given that younger cohorts of the civil service now have to swear allegiance to the SAR and uphold the Basic Law, and will probably have their social media accounts carefully scrutinized for their political leanings, not many of them may be eligible for these posts.

And how can one even start a business without any previous work experience? Isn't that even more daunting and riskier than finding a job?

During the meeting, one young woman named Chloe introduced herself as a recent history graduate at Chinese University. She said she sent out some 70 CVs but didn't get much of a response, or the position that was previously advertised was not available because companies were cutting costs.

Would a university graduate like to get a job washing dishes?

Cheung replied he didn't think it would be harder for someone with a liberal arts degree to find a job, and that the most important thing employers were looking for was the right attitude.

"You should lower your expectations," he said. "Dish washing is also work experience. So is sweeping the floor."

How is that advice even aspirational?

When this quote was circulated on Twitter, Cheung got a virtual drubbing. Many tweeted that there were fewer dishes to wash these days because more people were ordering takeaway because of the dining ban in the evenings.

Others criticized him for dismissing young people's valid concerns about job prospects, and instead frames it as their own fault that their expectations are too high.

It just goes to show how the government perceives the next generation of Hong Kong, and doesn't give them any hope except to literally start from the bottom despite working hard to get a tertiary education.

Free Coronavirus Test, Anyone?

The Hong Kong government's latest slogan on fighting the coronavirus

As Hong Kong reported 27 new cases today, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor held a press conference and gave more details about the mass testing for the coronavirus that is set to begin on September 1 for two weeks.

Even though the number of new cases has significantly dropped in the last two days, the government is strongly encouraging everyone to take the free test sponsored by Beijing.

Anyone over the age of six can register online for the test, giving their name, HKID number, contact details, and preferred time and testing station to ensure social distancing.

Lam urged all Hongkongers to participate in the free test

When people arrive at the testing station, their details will be checked and then given a barcode on their test bottle. That way on the Department of Health knows the people's identities.

Then a trained doctor, nurse or dentist will administer the test, taking nose and throat swabs and then put them in the test bottle.

If the person tests negative for the virus they will get an SMS message; if they are positive, then arrangements will be made for them to get medical treatment as soon as possible.

The 150 swab stations will be open from 8am to 8pm everyday for two weeks. After the samples are tested they will be destroyed in Hong Kong.

While Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee hopes 5 million people will take advantage of the one-time free test, it is uncertain whether that many people will actually take part.

Handing out testing kits to residents in Tsz Wan Shan earlier

"The more tests we do to identify more cases, the less we have to worry about," she said.

Secretary for Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen says those who take the test will have their privacy respected.

"The tests will only be carried out in the city, and neither the personal details or the specimen bottles will be sent outside the city," he said.

"We know the program is voluntary, but we hope the public can participate actively... so that we can identify more hidden cases, and cut off the transmission chain earlier," Nip continued. "For yourself, for your loved ones, and for those medical workers, please participate."

Sounds like they are practically begging people to take the test.

Lam even pleaded with the media to report on the test "objectively" and encourage the public to take the test.

But Hong Kong's top infectious disease experts question the effectiveness of mass testing if only a few people participate.

Dr Ho said today that mass testing is like "wasting bullets"

University of Hong Kong microbiologist Ho Pak-leung said the government would be "wasting bullets" if the tests are not targeted at people with higher risk of infection.

He cited the case of Tsz Wan Shan, a Covid-19 hotspot, where 40,000 free tests were given out to public housing residents there; of the 29,000 samples collected, only a few tested positive.

Ho said it would be better to focus more on patients in hospitals and frontline workers in hospitals and elderly care homes. He also added the mainland brought the disease under control from early diagnosis and isolation.

"You have to aim at some targets, otherwise you are just wasting bullets."

Touche.

More Covid-19 Cases than SARS

Social distancing was practiced at Repulse Bay beach today

Hong Kong has just surpassed a grim milestone -- more coronavirus cases than SARS 17 years ago. The city reported 64 new cases today, 60 of which are local, for a total of 1,777 cases. That is two more than the number of SARS cases in 2003.

The high number of cases of Hong Kong is highly concerning, with people still continuing to socialize in large groups. I walked with a friend from Ocean Park to Repulse Bay to have lunch and while the beach wasn't packed, there were many people congregated around The Pulse, a mini mall that has restaurants, cafes and shops.

People having too much fun on July 9

There are also reports of a "handover celebration dinner" held on July 9 where over 100 people without masks were singing and dancing together in a hall. Four people from that party tested positive for the coronavirus.

Up until a few weeks ago, Hong Kong was the envy of the world with its single digit cases (on some days there were none). That's because of the pretty strict protocol it established when people flew into the city, and disseminated lots of tips to the public on how to keep safe.

But then what happened? Complacency settled in and people got tired of social distancing.

The Hong Kong government needs to move faster to clamp down on the number of cases as soon as possible. This cannot wait another day. The vast majority of the cases are not traceable, making it harder to find the sources of the virus.

More testing needs to be done too. For example, while test kits are made available free of charge to taxi drivers, doing the test is not mandatory. How could that be? It seems like a half-hearted measure. While it is understandable people are anxious about finding out if they are positive or not, it would be better to know earlier than later in terms of treatment?

Why not make testing mandatory for taxi drivers?

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor must allow a good portion of the civil servants to work from home (the ones that can). There is no need for everyone to be in the office now. That would also allow private companies to follow suit. The less interaction with others at this time would be better.

Mixed messages makes it harder for the public to understand and respect the government's thinking. A muddled response only reveals its indecisiveness and gives the impression fighting the virus is not a high priority.

More Covid-19 Cases More Concerns

Perhaps the authorities could check Pier 3 for social distancing?

Hong Kong recorded at least 60 new local cases today, including a bus driver who drive from North Point to Pokfulam, and a large cluster of 42 staff and residents in an elderly home in Wong Chuk Hang.

Also an editor at Hong Kong Economic Times became positive too, as a member of her family caught the virus earlier. Staff working near her have asked to self-isolate and check for symptoms.

Cheung says civil servants won't work from home

Despite the relatively high number of cases for Hong Kong, particularly yesterday's record of 67, the Hong Kong government says it is not ordering its civil servants to work from home.

This evening Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-cheung told the media there were enough face masks to go around for civil servants to use to protect themselves.

He said in late January, masks were in short supply, and so civil servants were sent home, though this impacted public services.

However, Cheung said department heads could decide on home working arrangements for staff, provided public services were not affected.

This announcement has frustrated many employees in the private sector, who cannot work from home as their company follows the government with regards to work arrangements.

A very quiet Central MTR station at 9.34pm

May we ask health officials or the police to check out Pier 3 in Central? This evening it was one massive party around 6.30pm... perhaps that may change their minds?

But in general the streets are very quiet in the evenings, even the MTR has a fraction of the passengers that it usually does on a Friday night. With the high number of cases it is highly likely these measures will continue at least for another week.

National Security Office Commandeers Hotel

A police officer stands by the new national security office

A week after the national security law was enacted in Hong Kong, there was a grand opening ceremony for the national security office.

The national security office isn't housed in a new building; instead it has taken over the four-star Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay complete with the Chinese national emblem and a flagpole at the entrance. Apparently this all adheres to the local building codes (in one week, or this was planned way in advance).

Luo, Lam, Tung, Leung and Zheng at ceremony

Water-filled barricades surrounded the hotel which is across the street from Victoria Park, and buses were not allowed to run along Tung Lo Wan Road for security reasons yesterday and today.

Apparently it's a temporary base, but with all the brouhaha over the ceremony this morning as well as the very tight security, one would assume the hotel could be a long-term base.

All the VIPs were there for the 7am ceremony -- without masks -- Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, former chief executives Tung Chee-hwa and Leung Chun-ying, Liaison Office head Luo Huining, and the new agency's head, Zheng Yanxiong.

National emblem installed late last night

Chen Siyuan, assistant public security minister also attended the ceremony but did not give a speech. His presence at this morning's event reflects how highly it prioritizes Hong Kong, as it was seen as the most vulnerable part of China's security.

Li Xiaobing, executive director of the Hong Kong Macau law centre at Nankai University in Tianjin, said: "Beijing is determined to plug a hole in Hong Kong. Setting up the Hong Kong office and installing a high-powered team is an opportunity for the central government to push all the institutions in Beijing and Hong Kong to work together in a coordinated manner."

So now while "Hong Kong is ruled by Western", referring to the liaison office in Sai Ying Pun, its policies are now enforced in Causeway Bay/Tai Hang.

A hotel is an interesting choice for an office, especially one dealing with national security. It's across the street from the Tin Hau MTR station, and colleagues have said it has a fantastic pool overlooking Victoria Park, and that when guests came they would have them stay at this hotel.

Students can't play Glory to Hong Kong in school

Then later during the day it was announced by Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, that students are banned from playing, singing or broadcasting the protest anthem Glory to Hong Kong, nor can they hold any protest activities on school grounds.

Yeung claimed it was "general consensus" of the education sector that students should not be "incited" to show their stance on controversial or political issues.

In addition he said the protest anthem contained "strong political messages", and was closely linked to violence and illegal acts, which is why students should not broadcast, sing or play the song in schools.

If that wasn't enough news to digest, this evening it was announced that all civil servants employed from July 1 would be required in writing to swear allegiance to the city and uphold its constitution, with the rule also applies to those serving officers whose duties are deemed "crucial" or "sensitive".

Civil servants must pledge allegiance now

The requirement will affect all serving civil servants recommended for promotion to a higher rank, or to transfer to another grade.

Opposition lawmakers had expressed fears this would happen, causing "white terror" among civil servants, including lawmaker and Democratic Party chairman Wu Chi-wai.

"Civil servants have to work under the Civil Service Ordinance, which already states they have to support the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the government," he said. "The new requirement shows the government's mistrust in its employees... and its wishes to further control their freedom of speech."

Three new major news announcements today. Wonder what will happen tomorrow...

Nip Says Civil Servants Loyal to HK and China

Patrick Nip says civil servants serve Hong Kong and China

Hong Kong government officials are trying to execute orders from Beijing, but everyone below them is questioning them.

Today Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-yuen raised eyebrows when he said Hong Kong's civil servants not only serve the city, but China as well.

It is the first time in 23 years since the handover that a government official has specifically stated the role of its 180,000 workers.

The rally for civil servants last year in Central

"They have two identities -- they are the city's civil servants, as well as members of the country's public officers system. So, in doing their job, and thinking of various issues, they need to consider their dual roles," Nip said. "We will seek to strengthen civil servants' national identity and their understanding of 'one country, two systems'."

Nip dismissed the argument that civil servants should remain politically neutral.

"Political neutrality is not about taking sides. It is civil servants' responsibility to support the government's policies. They are politically neutral when the can execute policies well," he said.

Huh? How does that make any sense?

Hong Kong Senior Government Officers Association chairman Lee Fong-chung called for clarification. "If that means some changes in the code of the civil service, civil servants should first be consulted," he said.

Also looking for an explanation was Leung Chau-ting, chief executive of the Hong Kong Federation of Civil Service Unions.

Cheung says schools are not political areas

"Does this mean we have to meet the requirements by the mainland? Or do we have to learn to apply those mainland principles when doing our jobs in Hong Kong? I think the government should clarify."

Michael Ngan Mo-chau, chairman of the Union for New Civil Servants, one of many opposition groups that formed during last year's protests, cited Article 99 in the city's mini constitution.

"The Basic Law only states that public servants must be dedicated to their duties and be responsible to the Hong Kong government, not the central government. The government should explain what civil servants should do in case there are conflicts between the two roles."

Chinese University political scientist Ivan Choy Chi-keung believes the pressure from Beijing onto the civil service is due to some of its members participating in last year's anti-government protests.

In addition, some unions and student groups are planning to hold a referendum on June 14 on whether to hold a citywide strike and class boycotts, and senior government officials have condemned the plan.

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said schools are not venues in which to express political demands, while Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said in his blog that as long as Hong Kong remained free, safe and stable, it would continue to attract business and talent around the world.

Chan says if HK is free, will attract talent

Errr... "free"? Is Hong Kong still going to be free after the national security law is implemented?

Looks like civil servants will have to reconsider if they can continue their "iron rice bowl" jobs; will they quit and who will replace them? And what new requirements will new recruits have? Will they have to be able to sing the national anthem? Or recite Xi Jinping's slogans?

It's all becoming very worrying very quickly.