Members of the public can now apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) through an online service launched today by the Transport Department. Users of “iAM Smart+” or eligible applicants holding a valid personal digital certificate may apply online via the GovHK website and receive their IDP by post, without the need to visit a licensing office in person. If the submitted documents and photograph are in order, the department will normally send successful applicants their IDP by registered post within 10 working days of the online application being made. The department reminded those who plan to drive outside of Hong Kong to allow sufficient time for the IDP applications to be processed. Citizens may continue to submit IDP applications by visiting licensing offices in person. Appointments can be booked online or by calling 3763 8080 to save queuing time. Drivers may also send in their IDP applications by post or via the drop-in boxes placed at licensi
(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)
Secretary for Security John Lee today said notices issued last week for freezing of property in writing to freeze all the shares of Next Digital held by Jimmy Lai and the property in the local bank accounts of three companies owned by him are a national security matter and have nothing to do with press freedom.
Responding to reporters' questions, Mr Lee said: “Any activities that endanger national security will not be tolerated. Such activities, people or organisations will receive the full force of the law.”
Pursuant to Schedule 3 to the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the National Security Law, where the Secretary for Security has reasonable grounds to suspect that any property held by any person is offence related property, the secretary may, by notice specifying the property, direct that a person must not deal with the property except under the authority of a licence granted by the secretary.
Mr Lee noted that issuing the notices aimed to prevent acts that endangered national security in accordance with the law and had no direct relation to the work of journalists.
“Endangering national security is a very serious crime. The Government’s position is very clear - we will make use of all legal measures to prevent, interdict and suppress such activities endangering national security. It is illegal activities that we are dealing with, not press work.”
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