Speech by FS at Salvation Army Charity Christmas Luncheon 2024
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Salvation Army Charity Christmas Luncheon 2024 today (December 3):
David (Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army, Dr David Li), Colonel Philip (Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army, Mr Philip Maxwell) and Colonel Deslea (Territorial President of Women's Ministries of the Salvation Army, Mrs Deslea Maxwell), soldiers of the Salvation Army, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
It is a pleasure to join you all at this year's Salvation Army Charity Christmas Luncheon. Today, we gather not only to celebrate the season of giving but also to enjoy the warmth of fellowship and the joy of sharing together. As we share this festive meal, let us remember that every bite we take is a reminder of the abundance we have and the importance of sharing that abundance with those in need.
This message is especially true in a world marked by persistent conflicts and humanitarian crises. They are vivid reminders that peace and safety cannot be taken for granted. They remind us that we must not forget the simple virtue: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
Though we are living in troubled times, there is a beacon of hope. Across the globe, there are compassionate groups and individuals who care deeply about the well-being of others, who devote their time and resources, and sometimes even at the risk of their own safety, to bring hope and help to those who are less fortunate.
The Salvation Army is one of them.
You have come a long way. Since 1930, the Salvation Army has been dedicated to serving the needy in Hong Kong through a wide range of services, including education, healthcare, and housing. As one of the largest NGOs subvented by the Social Welfare Department, you operate over 100 social service units, schools and education centres across Hong Kong, serving individuals from all backgrounds and ages.
I'm pleased to note that your kindness extends beyond Hong Kong to the Mainland. In addition to running community development offices in Yunnan and Sichuan, you gave a helping hand, earlier this year, to those who suffered from earthquakes in Gansu and Qinghai, supporting their winter resettlement as well as post-disaster recovery and reconstruction.
Ladies and gentlemen, my heartfelt appreciation goes to the Salvation Army, and to all of you, for your kindness, generosity and dedication to serving those in need and making a difference in people's lives.
As Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
At this festive season, let us share our joy, peace and blessings with our family, friends, colleagues and those around us. May our blessings be the blessings to others too.
Thank you, and may you have a blessed Christmas filled with joy, peace, love and abundance.
Speech by FS at Salvation Army Charity Christmas Luncheon 2024 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSARG responds to reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under HKHRDA incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (December 26) strongly disapproves of and firmly rejects US' reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (HKHRDA) incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.
A spokesman for the Government said, "In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. With at least 21 pieces of laws safeguarding national security, the US has exposed its double standards by pointing the finger at the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security."
"The Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. The offences endangering national security stipulated by the related Ordinance target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity, aiming at addressing, combating, deterring and preventing acts and activities of endangering national security. It targets only an extremely small minority of people without affecting the basic rights and freedoms lawfully enjoyed by Hong Kong residents."
He said, "The US openly clamour for so-called 'sanctions' with an aim to intimidate HKSAR officials who resolutely safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns its political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all. The HKSAR despises the so-called 'sanctions' and will not be intimidated by such a despicable behaviour. The HKSAR will resolutely continue to discharge the duty of safeguarding national security."
The HKSAR Government has been enforcing the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) fully and vigorously to fulfil our international obligations. We have long been maintaining an effective mechanism for implementing the resolutions of the UNSC. That includes denying entry of vessels designated by the UNSC as well as suspicious vessels, keeping a close watch on and inspecting suspicious Hong Kong-based companies to prevent them from participating in activities evading UNSC sanctions. At the same time, the HKSAR Government has been implementing a comprehensive and robust control regime over the import and export of strategic commodities and maintaining active participation in the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty through the Central People's Government. The effectiveness of our work has been well respected and recognised by our trading partners and internationally.
The US has substantial economic interest in Hong Kong. Over the past decade, it registered a trade surplus of about US$270 billion with Hong Kong. Currently, some 1 390 US companies operate in Hong Kong. If the US insists on its acts, it will ultimately undermine the mutually beneficial relations between Hong Kong and the US, harming the interests of the US and its companies.
The spokesman reiterated that foreign governments and legislatures should not interfere in any form in the internal affairs of the HKSAR.
