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 using journalism as a tool to endanger national security should be differentiated from normal journalistic work.
Police's National Security Department conducted a search operation at a media company in Tseung Kwan O today and arrested five company directors on suspicion of collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to harm national security, contravening the National Security Law.
The arrestees are suspected of publishing print and online news articles calling on foreign countries to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and the Mainland.
Mr Lee said: “We are not talking about media work or journalists’ work. We are talking about a conspiracy in which the suspects have tried to make use of journalistic work to collude with a foreign country or external elements to impose sanctions or take hostile activities against Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China.”
He added that journalists working in Hong Kong must abide by its laws and urged them to keep a distance from those in the profession who commit unlawful acts.
“Normal journalistic work of course, takes place freely and lawfully in Hong Kong. And I do not envisage any professional journalist would be conspiring to do any act to endanger national security.
“The suspects have been arrested on strong evidence that they are conspiring to endanger national security.
“It is your choice whether you will regard them as part of you, who go about your journalistic work lawfully and properly.”
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