May 2, 2023 The DAB has strongly urged the government to expedite the review of library books in order to prioritize national security interests. This call comes in response to the recent audit report released by the Audit Commission, which provides recommendations on the "Management of Public Libraries" to ensure the safeguarding of national security. DAB LegCo members Chan Yung and Vincent Cheng, along with Lee Ka Leung, an executive member of the DAB and convener of the "Concern Group on Quality of Books in Hong Kong," recently held a meeting with Mr. Lau Chun, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and Mr. Vincent Liu Ming Kwong, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, to express their concerns and share their views on the matter. During the meeting, LegCo member Vincent Cheng proposed that public libraries consider incorporating ideas from libraries overseas to enhance their facilities and attract more visitors, particularly the younger demographic. Suggestions such as installing 3D printing rooms or studios were put forward as potential ways to revitalize public libraries and make them more appealing to the youth. Lee Ka Leung further recommended the implementation of a "points deduction system." Under this system, books authored by individuals or published by companies that repeatedly violate laws pertaining to national security would not be procured by public libraries. This proposal aims to ensure that the collection of books remains in line with the principles of national security. The DAB remains committed to working closely with the government to address these concerns and promote the necessary measures to safeguard national security in the management of public libraries. Media enquiries: LegCo member Chan Yung 96686095 LegCo member Vincent Cheng 63731979 Li Ka Leung 68180178

May 1, 2023 "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" (the Scheme), set to commence in June, will enable eligible Hong Kong private car owners to apply for permits. Approved vehicles will then have the privilege of traveling between Hong Kong and Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) starting from July. The implementation of this scheme will not only facilitate the ease of travel for Hong Kong citizens but also contribute to the integration and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The DAB, consisting of Hong Kong Deputies to the National People's Congress, Members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and DAB LegCo Members, has been actively advocating for the realization of this scheme. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the central authorities, mainland departments, and SAR government for their unwavering support. Rest assured, the DAB is committed to working closely with the government to ensure the successful implementation of the scheme. In our pursuit of serving the best interests of the citizens, we earnestly urge the government to promptly release the comprehensive details of the scheme. Furthermore, we propose that the application procedures be streamlined and made easily accessible, in order to encourage maximum participation from the public. By doing so, we can ensure that more citizens can benefit from and make use of this remarkable opportunity provided by the scheme. Media enquiries: Convenor, HK Deputies to the National People's Congress, DAB Vice-chairperson, LegCo member Chan Yung (9668 6095)

April 28, 2023 The National Immigration Administration would extend the validity period of the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents from May 8. Residents could also apply for renewal of the Permits with the Authorities in the Mainland. We expressed our gratitude towards the Central Authorities for placing importance on the renewal issue that allowed Hong Kong people to travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong conveniently. In addition, we were grateful to the CE John Lee, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang and the SAR government for their timely and effective communication with the Mainland Authorities soon after our reflection on the renewal issue. The issue was well handled and it embodied the effective communication between the SAR government and the Central Authorities.

April 26, 2023 We strongly support Chief Executive John Lee's recent remarks on how to reform the district councils. Reforming the district councils is one of the important tasks in improving the electoral system, implementing the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong, and steadily promoting virtuous democracy. In this regard, we hope that the future district councils will have broader representation and balanced participation, attracting more patriots and people from diverse backgrounds and professions who love Hong Kong. This can help develop district councils in the direction of virtuous democracy, better serve the public, facilitate government governance of district affairs, achieve good governance, benefit Hong Kong and its people. Media enquiry: DAB LegCo Member Chan Yung (9668 6095)

April 26, 2023 The Audit Commission has published a new audit report, which mentioned in the section of "Management of Public Libraries" that the review of library materials needs to be strengthened in order to maintain national security and follow-up actions should be taken. DAB executive member and convener of the "Concern Group on Quality of Books in Hong Kong" Li Ka Leung believes that maintaining national security is of paramount importance and is continuous work that needs to be done, and he is disappointed that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has not set a deadline for completing the review. He believes the Leisure and Cultural Services Department should not use "the number of books under review is increasing" as a reason for not setting a timetable for completing the relevant work, and it should also inform the public generally how long it would take to handle any related complaints from readers, so as to prevent "toxic books" from circulating among the public again. Media enquiry: Lee Ka Leung (6818 0178)

April 20, 2023 Regarding the major power outage that occurred in Hong Kong Island yesterday (April 19)morning, Legislator Edward Leung Hei of the DAB believes Hong Kong Electric's response was very slow and evasive. After the incident, HK Electric first attributed it to a sudden drop in voltage, and later changed it to equipment malfunction, before finally rectifying it tonight as an erroneous connection. In fact, it was simply a human error. Edward Leung is disappointed that HK Electric only disclosed the truth after the public exerted repeated pressure. HK Electric must urgently conduct an in-depth investigation of the incident, including whether it involved a serious human error or systematic problem, and must fix any loopholes in the maintenance procedures to deter the reoccurrence of similar incidents. Edward Leung has written to the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs requesting it arrange early discussion of the relevant matters, so that HK Electric can make a more detailed account to LegCo and the public. Media enquiries: LegCo Member Edward Leung (9665 0660)

April 20, 2023 Edward Leung, Nicholas Muk the Vice-chairman of the Wan Chai Branch of the DAB, and Elaine Chik the community officer, held a press conference urging for more protection from credit cards system after meeting with representatives of the HKMA and HSBC respectively. Edward Leung recently met with the HKMA previously and raised the issue of different banks having different definitions of gross negligence. He hoped banks would have a standardized and clear handling of this. The HKMA promised to follow up. At a press conference, Leung Hei reminded citizens to regularly check if their credit cards are lost and to review their credit limits, making adjustments when necessary. When a credit card is lost, it is imperative to immediately report the loss to the bank and the police. If the loss is not reported, the cardholder will be held responsible for any unauthorized transactions. Media enquiry: LegCo member Edward Leung (9665 0660)

April 18, 2023 The Social Welfare Department released the report of the second phase review, providing 39 recommendations to improve residential child care services and foster care services. Suggestions were made to enhance service quality, strengthen monitoring, improve service planning and increase supply. DAB LegCo member and spokesman on welfare affairs Stanley Li Sai Wing, believed that some of the recommendations were based on those in the first phase review unveiled last year. These include improving institutional governance and internal review mechanisms. He hoped that strengthening oversight and initiating deep reforms would drive improvements in residential child care services, enabling entrusted children to receive proper care. Regarding the review report, Li Sai Wing had the following views: Pay attention to resource implications of additional manpower Plan for future service supply and increase service quotas for various residential child care services Closely monitor the growth of children in care and conduct case follow-ups Undertake more positive publicity on foster care services Media Enquiry: DAB LegCo member Stanley Li (9797 7393)

April 13, 2023 The DAB is currently organizing a "District Governance Training Course." DAB Vice-chairman Holden Chow said the purpose of the course is to help implement good governance at the district level. It is hoped that district workers can further explore district governance and effectively promote good governance and improve governance capabilities in districts. Chow pointed out that the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law, improvements to the electoral system, and the comprehensive implementation of “patriots administering Hong Kong” have provided an opportunity to finally achieve true good governance. It is hoped that this course can promote positive interactions and understanding between district workers and the government. The course is divided into 14 modules. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak, together with 5 department directors overseeing relevant policy areas, namely Housing, Transport, Social Welfare, Health and Food and Environmental Hygiene, as well as 18 District Officers, have agreed to teach in this course. DAB Secretary-General Albert Wong believed the DAB can hold more district governance training courses in the future, share its experience in systematic talent training, and cooperate with other groups to continue providing suitable talent to implement “patriots administering Hong Kong” and enhance governance capabilities. Media enquiry: Vice Chairman of the DAB, LegCo member Holden Chow (3703 9870) Secretary-General of the DAB Albert Wong (9099 0631)

April 12, 2023 After the development of areas such as Anderson Hill, Kai Tak New Development Area, and Cha Kwo Ling Village redevelopment project, at least 100,000 more people are expected to move to Kowloon East, and Kowloon East and Kowloon Central is anticipated to become a new strategic commercial and residential area in Hong Kong with huge development potential. After collecting views from local residents and consulting experts, DAB has put forth several suggestions on transport networks, ferry supporting facilities, underground shopping street infrastructure in the area, as well as long-term planning of the waterfront promenade, including: 1. Improving the transport network by introducing new mass transport systems 2. Integrated development of Kwun Tong Wharf Station and construction of new landmark buildings 3. Improving the infrastructure of the underground shopping street corridor in Kai Tak 4. Promoting planning and development of the Kowloon waterfront Media enquiries: LegCo Members Starry Lee (9457 9853), Frankie Ngan (6600 2511), Vincent Cheng (6373 1979), Or Chong Shing, Chairman of the Kwun Tong District Council and Chairman of the DAB Kwun Tong Branch (9501 9899)

April 10, 2023 Cases of credit card fraud are becoming increasingly common, rising 45.1% year-on-year. DAB Legislator Edward Leung Hei convened a press conference together with several victims of credit card fraud, drawing on their own bitter experiences to expose major loopholes in credit card use. Edward Leung believes Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) should impose stricter oversight over credit card usage: 1. Urge the HKMA to issue more specific guidelines for defining "gross negligence". 2. The HKMA should issue criteria requiring different levels of protection/security measures based on transaction amounts (including SMS notifications, OTP and phone verifications). 3. Banks may adjust credit card limits from time to time without notice; the public should regularly check their own credit limits and not pursue credit lines that diverge too greatly from actual spending patterns. Media enquiry: LegCo Member Edward Leung (9665 0660)

April 6, 2023 The latest Policy Address revealed plans to introduce around 700 electric buses and around 3,000 electric taxis by the end of 2027. The Budget announced a 100% loan guarantee scheme to encourage taxi owners to switch to pure electric taxis. DAB LegCo member Elizabeth Quat believed the lack of charging facilities like charging stations hindered the use of electric taxis in Hong Kong. The taxi industry is afraid the difficulty in charging will affect their livelihood and therefore hesitant to switch to electric taxis. Ben Chan pointed out government policy support is crucial in promoting electric vehicles and taxis, and hoped relevant departments can provide more support. Elizabeth and Ben recommended: Increase charging stations and provide more policy support; Research introducing mobile EV Charger; Suggest researching approval of using the New Energy Transport Fund to subsidize procurement of Mobile EV Charger; Provide one-stop service for applying to build charging facility; Resolve electric power supply shortage issues Press enquiries: DAB LegCo member Elizabeth Quat (9031 7995) DAB LegCo member Ben Chan (9274 7035)