1. Forum on constitutional development: method for selecting the Chief Executive in 2017
Together with 21 participating organizations, my legislative office co-organized a Forum on Constitutional Development: method for selecting the Chief Executive in 2017 on 3 April. Mrs Carrie Lam, Chief Secretary for Administration and other Government officials were invited as the guests to the event. More than 150 participants joined the forum and had a fruitful and stimulating exchange of views on constitutional development. 



2. Elected as President of the Hong Kong Professionals and Senior Executives Association
The Annual General Meeting of Hong Kong Professionals and Senior Executives Association (HKPASEA) was held on 28 Feb 2014. The Council for 2014-2015 was elected during the meeting. I am honored to be elected as new President succeeding the Hon. Tse Wai Chuen, Tony. Established in 2006, the HKPASEA aims to put forth balanced views on policy issues, as well as rational, visionary and strategic ideas to contribute to the professionals and overall development of Hong Kong. I have served for years as a founding member of the HKPASEA, and will continue to work with members of the Association in benefiting the professions and the society.

 

(with Secretary for Transport and Housing and the Hon. Tse Wai Chuen, Tony at council meeting on 28 Feb, 2014)

3. My questions regarding Budget 2014-15
I have raised over 40 questions regarding the Budget 2014-15, which covered policy areas on housing, environment, planning and lands, commerce, public works and transportation. To view my questions and replies from the Government, please click the following link: 
http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr13-14/english/fc/fc/agenda/fc20140331.htm

4. Meeting with Development Bureau regarding recruitment system of Building Department
Together with the representatives of Buildings Department Structural Engineers' Association, I had a meeting with Mr. Thomas Chow, Permanent Secretary for Development Bureau regarding recruitment system of Building Department. The members of BDSEA expressed their views and concerns over the issues such as distribution of resources, and balance of different professions in the workforce of the department. It was an open and productive meeting. Further communication and follow-up actions were discussed. 

5. Cavern development
There is a pressing need to increase land supply for various uses by sustainable and innovative approaches to support social and economic development. One practicable approach is rock cavern development. The Government sought funding allocation for cavern development at the Public Works Subcommittee meeting on 8 April.  Members approved the items of Relocation of Sha Tin sewage treatment works to caverns, as well as three feasibility studies on relocation of Sham Tseng sewage treatment works to caverns, Sai Kung sewage treatment works to caverns, and Diamond Hill fresh water and salt water service reservoirs to caverns. 

6. Organic Waste Treatment Facilities Phase 1
On 13 March, the item of organic waste treatment facilities on northern Lantau was discussed in legCo panel on environmental affairs. Members raised concerns about the sharp rise in the estimated cost, from HK$489 million to more than HK$1.5 billion. I believe the facility is essential and the money is still worth spending, but the government must admit it might have underestimated the costs during the initiative study. Members gave initial approval to the funding request. The Public Works Subcommittee also approved the funding request at its meeting on 8 April.

7. Bills Committee on Marriage (Amendment) Bill 2014
The administration proposes to amend the Marriage Ordinance to implement the order made by the Court of Final Appeal concerning marriage registration by post-operative transsexual persons in Hong Kong. The Government has established an inter-departmental working group on gender recognition to consider legislation and incidental administrative measures that may be required to protect the rights of transsexual persons. In this connection, a Bills Committee was set up in the LegCo and held its first meeting on 1 April. I have joined this committee. 

8. Bills Committee on Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Bill 2014
In order to protect public health from the harmful effects of tobacco, the Financial Secretary has proposed to increase the duty on cigarettes by 11.72% in his 2014-15 Budget. Duties on other tobacco products will also be increased by the same percentage. On 26 February 2014, the Chief Executive, made the Public Revenue Protection (Dutiable Commodities) Order 2014 to give immediate effect to the Bill to increase the duty rates on tobacco. The Order, with a four-month temporary effect, will lapse on 26 June 2014. Therefore, a Bills Committee was set up and I also joined the Committee. The Committee held its first meeting on 8 April and also completed scrutiny of the Bill at the same day. The Bills Committee supports the administration to resume the Second Reading debate on the Bill.