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THE MEDIA OUTLET PLATAFORMA GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS MAJOR SHAREHOLDER URGES MGM HAS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED RESORTS TO SELL 20% OF ITS THE OPERATION OF THEIR ONLINE LAUNCHING THIRD FINANCIAL OPERATION TO CHINESE FIRMS IN LISBON NEWSROOM STIMULUS MEASURES OPEN LETTER P4 P3 P2 AP PHOTO EVA BUCHO EVA

China Two former journalists were convicted of defaming a third STABLE AND journalist by publishing an account accusing him of sexual misconduct. A court in Hangzhou ruled that the evidence provided by Zou Sicong and He Qian against prominent IMPROVINGSecretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong journalist Deng Fei was “not enough to allow forecasts that Macau economy will be ‘stable and someone to firmly believe P3 without any hesitation improving’ in 2021 that what was described truly happened.” The court ordered He and Zou to pay 11,712 yuan in damages. They plan to appeal the ruling. AP PHOTO

Japan has declared a state of emergency for Tokyo and three nearby areas as coronavirus cases continue to surge, hitting a daily record of 2,447 in the capital. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga issued the declaration at the government task force for the coronavirus. It kicks in today until Feb. 7, and centers around asking restaurants and bars to close at 8 p.m. and people to stay home and not mingle in crowds. AP PHOTO

South Korea says it will extend its ban on incoming flights from Britain for until

AP PHOTO USA January 21. Authorities said they’ve found three additional cases of the After more contagious variant of the coronavirus identified in the U.K, taking excusing the total to 14. South Korea has also found one violence, case of a coronavirus variant detected in South Africa. All foreigners Trump entering South Korea will Blue cards be required to submit acknowledges negative COVID-19 test at risk at results starting today. TDM Biden victory More on backpage P4 P8 page 2 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 08.01.2021 fri

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

the potential partnership be- tween a Chinese investor and

EVA BUCHO EVA MGM ’s Co-Chairman Pansy Ho – who has been a pro- minent figure in driving Ma- cau’s diversification projects and shares close ties with Chi- na – could further deepen the city’s economic diversification and integration with the Grea- ter Bay Area cities. The transaction, once made, would unleash capital for MGM Resorts to secure an integrated resort opportunity in Osaka, Ja- pan, which would catapult the group into position as the lar- gest winner in Japan’s gaming industry. The move will also provide increased financial flexibili- ty for MGM Resorts to “pur- sue M&A in the secular growth market of online sports betting and gaming,” the letter writes. MGM Resorts issued a re- Investor urges MGM Resorts ply to the letter on January 6, saying “MGM Resorts remains committed to Macau and will to sell 20% of Macau stake to continue to take actions that are in the best interests of its sha- Chinese firms in open letter reholders and stakeholders.” Currently, MGM Resorts has HONEY TSANG Investment Officer at Snow to be completed by the fourth Ma identified several potential a 56% stake in MGM China. Lake Capital, expounded on quarter of the year. A finalized candidates, namely China’s lea- Snow Lake Capital, which in- NVESTMENT firm Snow Lake one of the rationales that “the draft bill will be submitted to ding shopping platform Mei- creased its stakes in MGM Chi- ICapital published an open le- new strategic investor will bring the Legislative Assembly for the tuan, online travel agency Trip. na through two transactions tter on January 6 to convince significant non-gaming resour- public re-tender process of the com, hotel management com- in September and October last MGM Resorts International to ces to both MGM Chi- pany Huazhu Group year, proposed MGM Resorts sell off 20% of its MGM Chi- na and Macau,” which and Sunac China Hol- scale its stake down by 20%. na stakes to a leading Chinese he stressed would be Ma said having them dings, a property deve- The spokesperson of MGM consumer or travel and leisu- conducive to a higher as a strategic partner loper which also runs China told the Times yesterday re company – either of which chance that MGM Chi- tourism project Sunac that it could not make com- would be regarded as a “strate- na would secure a new is ‘a key differentiating China. ments over the letter at the time gic shareholder.” concession in 2022. Given the extensi- as this is a matter concerning In the letter to MGM’s board, Macau’s six gaming factor’ for MGM in ve client base of these its mother company, MGM Re- the Asian investment manage- concessions are going obtaining a new companies, Ma said sorts. ment firm, which holds 7.5% to expire in June 2022. having them as a stra- Earlier in December, the CE of MGM China Holdings Ltd’s In 2020, Macau’s concession tegic partner is “a key said for the first time “anything 2282.HK shares as its largest pu- Chief Executive (CE) Ho differentiating factor” is possible” for a potential ex- blic shareholder, outlined the Iat Seng confirmed the for MGM in obtaining tension of the six concessions. benefits of the proposed tran- plan to axe the sub-concession gaming concessions to move a new concession and will be a Under the current gaming law, saction across by spelling out model, and to commence revi- forward. “win-win transaction” for both the CE has the right to prolong “six main reasons”. sing the gaming law in the first Regarding the “strategic sha- parties. the concessions for up to five Sean Ma, Founder & Chief quarter of 2021, a task slated reholder” in this transaction, Meanwhile, he added that years.

LAS VEGAS SANDS Adelson takes leave for cancer treatment BLOOMBERG AS Vegas Sands Corp. bert Goldstein will now strip to Macau. benefit of their children Lfounder and Chief Exe- take up Adelson’s duties as He has long suffered own a majority of Sands cutive Officer Sheldon acting chairman and acting from peripheral neuropa- shares. His long-time No. Adelson is taking a leave CEO, according to a state- thy, a disorder that makes 2 Goldstein signed a new of absence after resuming ment. it difficult for him to walk. contract in 2018 that runs treatment for cancer. Adelson, 87, is the The cancer often made him until 2024. Adelson had retained his company’s majority sha- too weak to come to the He is a prominent donor executive role since the reholder and one of the office or attend company to Republican politics in company revealed in 2019 world’s biggest gambling events. the U.S., having backed ou- that he had non-Hodgkin’s moguls, overseeing ope- Adelson, his wife, Mi- tgoing President Donald J. lymphoma. President Ro- rations from the Las Vegas riam, and trusts for the Trump. MDT/BLOOMBERG

www.macaudailytimes.com.mo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (DIRECTOR)_Paulo Coutinho [email protected] A MACAU TIMES PUBLICATIONS LTD PUBLICATION ASSISTANT EDITOR_Lynzy Valles SENIOR WRITER_Honey Tsang CONTRIBUTING EDITORS_Leanda Lee, Severo Portela, Sheyla Zandonai ADMINISTRATOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Kowie Geldenhuys [email protected] NEWSROOM AND CONTRIBUTORS_Albano Martins, Annabel Jackson, Anthony Lam, Daniel Beitler, Emilie Tran, OFFICE MANAGER Juliana Cheang [email protected] REACHING OUT! Irene Sam, Ivo Carneiro de Sousa, Jacky I.F. Cheong, Jenny Lao-Phillips, João Palla Martins, Joseph Cheung, Julie ADDRESS Av. da Praia Grande, 599, Edif. Comercial Rodrigues, 12 Floor C, Zhu, Juliet Risdon, Linda Kennedy, Paulo Cordeiro de Sousa, Renato Marques, Richard Whitfield, Viviana Seguí MACAU SAR Telephones: +853 287 160 81/2 Fax: +853 287 160 84 DESIGNERS_Eva Bucho, Miguel Bandeira | ASSOCIATE CONTRIBUTORS_JML Property, MdME Lawyers, Advertisement [email protected] +20,000 PokerStars, Ruan Du Toit Bester | NEWS AGENCIES_ Associated Press, Bloomberg, MacauHub, MacauNews, Xinhua For subscription and general issues: [email protected] | Printed at Welfare Printing Ltd Like us on .com/mdtimes SECRETARY_Yang Dongxiao [email protected] send newsworthy information and press releases to: [email protected] website: www.macaudailytimes.com.mo www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 3 fri 08.01.2021 澳門 MACAU

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HONEY TSANG

HE government will con- sider rolling out the third

round of stimulus mea- MARQUES RENATO sures under “special cir- Tcumstances,” the Director of the Economic Bureau (DSE), Tai Kin Ip, said. Tai’s remarks were delivered in response to a query raised by lawmaker Leong Sun Iok over whe- ther the SAR government would earmark another budget for ano- ther round of stimulus packages. In view of Macau’s steadily re- covering economy, the authorities will closely monitor the Covid-19 pandemic situation in neighbo- ring countries and cities, Tai stated. The official also stressed that the government will consider in- troducing the third round of finan- cial support in a timely to assist people in need under special circumstances, after taking into account the “overall situation” and “practice needs.” However, Tai did not spell out what constitutes a special cir- cumstance. The government’s latest move is considered music to one’s ears for PANDEMIC RELIEF many in the city, as many busines- ses and employees have been con- cerned that local jobs and firms may be put on the line following Gov’t to consider launching the expiration of the last relief scheme, which was due at the end of December in 2020. In April last year, the govern- third stimulus measures ment announced the second rou- been adversely impacted by the grants not to lay off staff within six the Legislative Assembly (AL) ple- The first round of stimulus, nd of economic support measures, pandemic. months without a justifiable rea- nary meeting to launch the third announced in February last year, in which a total of MOP10 billion The subsidy program for bu- son. round of economic stimulus as took a “five-pronged approach” was budgeted to offer financial sinesses, as part of the MOP10 It prompted several lawmakers, soon as possible, especially target- including tax relief, support tar- aid as a lifeline for residents, em- billion stimulus program, required such as Ip Sio Kai and Ho Lon ting locals and SMEs, to help them geting SMEs, subsidies, electronic ployees and businesses that have companies receiving government Sang, to urge the government in weather the economic downturn. consumption vouchers.

Civil servant group Lei: Forecast of economy to calls for ‘realistic be ‘stable and improving’ encouragement’ for team

T is estimated that the ANTHONY LAM letter to the CE. ted their morale.” Icity’s economy will be Lawmaker Pereira The group cited the “stable and improving” HE Macau Civil Ser- Coutinho is the director- Security Forces, the in 2021, according to a Tvants Association -general of the group. Health Bureau, the Ma- remark delivered by Se- has called for “realis- Coutinho has also cao Government Tou- cretary for Economy and tic encouragement” for made the suggestions at rism Office, the Go- Finance Lei Wai Nong to frontline public servi- the parliamentary deba- vernment Information the media on the sideli- ce workers due to the tes held for the social af- Bureau and the Labour nes of an event yester- impact of Covid-19 on fairs and culture sector, Affairs Bureau as exam- day. Macau in a letter to the the security sector and ples to highlight the Lei also confirmed that Chief Executive (CE), Ho the economy and finan- contributions made to the projection to rake in Iat Seng. ce sector. control the pandemic around MOP130 billion The group stated that “At the debate ses- by the team of civil ser- in gross gaming revenue ch Lei suggested a longer ber to November, down since the Covid-19 ou- sions, senior officials vants. (GGR) throughout 2021 length of stay will lead to by 0.1 percentage points tbreak in Macau, at va- have disclosed that they In the request for the will remain unchanged. higher tourism incomes. compared to the previous rious points of time and had studied and discus- “encouragement” plan, Despite the fact that According to the lastest three-month period from locations, such as to the sed the proposals,” the the group cited gam- the visitor arrival tally official data, the number August to October, accor- media and the Legislati- group recalled in the le- bling concessionaire to Macau is still a far cry of business shutdowns ding to the Statistics and ve Assembly, it has cal- tter. “But eventually they SJM for pledging to offer from the pre-pandemic was down 30% in 2020, Census Service (DSEC). led for the government have not clearly justified at most two months’ sa- levels, the government year-on-year. Meanwhile, Lei also pledged that to offer salary increases why the proposals were lary to its team as a “spe- will continue to moni- there were 11,000 ope- the government will con- to show support and en- turned down.” cial living subsidy.” tor changes in the travel nings in 2020, more or tinue to exert efforts on couragement. The failure to push Gambling labor righ- market and explore ways less the same compared job-matching and voca- “Through which, it forward with the propo- ts advocate Cloee Chao to increase sources of to the number of 2019. tional training activities can achieve the effect sals have, in the group’s has previously called for arrivals and prolong the The unemployment to help residents land of recognizing [civil opinion, “let down the similar subsidy for all average length of stay rate of local residents jobs during the Covid-19 servants’] work,” the large team of frontline workers in the gambling among travelers — whi- was 4.0% from Septem- pandemic. HT group explained in the civil servants and affec- industry. page 4 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 08.01.2021 fri

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Guangdong sees first case of South African Covid-19 Plataforma suspends online variant On January 2, neighboring operations from Lisbon Province recorded its RENATO MARQUES first case of SARS-CoV-2 variant 501Y.V2, which first occurred HE media outlet Plataforma in South Africa. State media Thas temporarily suspended

Xinhua News Agency reported MARQUES RENATO the operation of their online that a 55-year-old South African newsroom team based in Lisbon, pilot tested positive for the coronavirus on December 8, Portugal, the Director-General of 2020. The province’s Center for Plataforma, Paulo Rego, revealed Disease Control and Prevention in an editorial on Tuesday. undertook genomic sequencing The online media company and identified the mutated strain. based in Macau, which is part The variant first occurred in South of the Portuguese Global Me- Africa in mid-October and became dia Group (GMG), owns the lo- a dominant strain there in early cal weekly bilingual newspaper November. Plataforma Macau, published in Portuguese and Chinese Ho Iat Seng leads languages with a particular fo- cus on economic and cultural delegation to GBA exchanges between mainland Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng is China, Macau and Portuguese- leading a delegation to visit eight -speaking countries. cities in the Greater Bay Area from According to Rego’s editorial, today until January 11. During the decision to temporarily sus- the four-day tour, Ho will visit pend the operations in Lisbon Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, was based on an administrative Foshan, Guangzhou, Dongguan, decision from GMG which re- Huizhou, and Shenzhen. In each sulted in the removal of finan- city, he will meet with local leaders, cial support for the team’s ope- and visit local industrial projects, rations. with the aim of accelerating the development of the Greater Bay In the text, Rego publicly apo- “GMG abandons its commit- Back in October last year, His post was linked to the Area. Ho’s Chief of Office, is in the logized for what he considers to ment to the Lisbon team, based Rego, a former non-executi- KNJ Investment Group, where delegation alongside tourism and be a big mistake from the GMG on a tripartite agreement be- ve member of the Board of he served as a representative economic officials. that shows a “lack of vision.” tween Plataforma, GMG and the Directors of GMG, resigned of the Macau-based company “This intermission [in the journalists that, with honor and from the post after arou- which owns a total of 35% of Lisbon operations] is due to pleasure, we hosted at our cost nd three years serving as a GMG. Smart devices the failure of the GMG, which center,” he remarked In Portugal, GMG is designed to monitor thus disrespects its professio- leaving a message of one of the largest media movements, prevent nals who migrated to Platafor- hope for both the team Rego publicly groups, owning 19 media seniors from ma, betrays its future, and tur- and the readers by no- apologized for what outlets including news- getting lost ns its back on the commitment ting that is a temporary papers, radio channels, to Macau and Kevin Ho - direc- suspension and not an and other media outlets. Seniors’ residences are expected he considers to be a tor of KNJ Investiment – who ending, and promising Rego’s resignation to have smart devices installed to has invested in the digitaliza- to resume the activities big mistake from the from the role came ri- help prevent residents from getting tion and internationalization lost and to monitor daily lifestyle. A as soon as possible. GMG that shows a ght after the acquisition research team from the University of GMG, based on the connec- Plataforma operates of 40% of GMG by Por- of Macau (UM) is responsible for tion to Macau,” Rego wrote. mostly online (using ‘lack of vision’ tuguese entrepreneur the design of the smart devices at The director-general consi- a website and mobile Marco Galinha, who future senior residences. The team dered the move from GMG to be application) which in- leads the Portuguese has considered installing a sensor a step backward from the goals cludes content in Portuguese, board member. business group, Grupo Bel. inside each residence. This sensor of the media and strategic vision Chinese and English languages, He also served as vice-pre- Pursuing clarification on the will not have camera-recording of one of its major shareholder’s and also incorporates coopera- sident of the Executive Com- case, the Times contacted both functions; it will only be used to (Kevin Ho) rights to create a di- tion with several other media mittee for one year between Rego and Galinha, who have detect the daily routine of seniors, rection and establish objectives outlets located in Portugal, An- November 2017 and November not provided any comments by to address safety concerns. as previously agreed. gola, Brazil, and Macau. 2018. press time.

Blue cardholders at risk at TDM VALLES LYNZY RENATO MARQUES suspend the hiring and licy, which will be enfor- ttee and vice chairman renewal of contracts with ced individually and ac- of the board of directors, HE contracts of some TNRs, commonly known cording to the contracts’ Manuel Pires. Tnon-resident workers as ‘Blue Card holders,’ to expiration dates. Pires was replaced (TNRs) at the public broa- allow more opportunities In its report, JTM also in the roles by Lorman dcaster TDM might be at for local residents gra- stated that the measure Lo who promised whi- risk of not being renewed, duating with majors in has already affected two le taking office to make the journalism and commu- of TDM’s workers who “necessary changes” to news outlet, Tribuna de nication. have been recently dis- improve the operations of Macau (JTM) reported On the line are the po- missed. the broadcaster. yesterday. sitions of around a dozen Since last year, the pu- The Times has contac- According to the re- people including Filipino blic broadcaster has been ted TDM soliciting a clari- port, the outlet learned nationals, as well as Hong targeted with several res- fication on the matter but from sources familiar Kong and mainland resi- tructuring measures that has not received any reply with the topic that a new dents. began after the retirement from the administration policy, now in force wi- The workers have not of the previous chairman of the public broadcaster thin the company, would been informed of the po- of the executive commi- until press time. www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 5 fri 08.01.2021 ADVERTORIAL

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Wynn Volunteer Team Celebrates 10-Fold Scale Up at its 10th Anniversary S a local enterprise deeply rooted in Macao, Wynn has always been committed to givingA back to the community by actively promoting and encouraging team members to participate in various activities and volunteer initiatives. Since its establishment in 2010, the Wynn Employees (WE) Volunteer Team has continued to work in unison with local charities and social partners and members of the Wynn donated anti-pandemic manpower shortage caused by Team held a calendar charity service organizations to help general public gathered together supplies to over 50 institutions the pandemic. sale in the back of house area and vulnerable groups and support to celebrate this important and community organizations, As the academic year donated all the charity money those in need. What started out milestone. The fun fair also including residential homes, commenced in September last to The Macau Association For ten years ago as a small group featured charity sale booths facilities for children and year, the WE Volunteer Team The Mentally Handicapped to of dedicated and passionate and charity prize vouchers to youths, temporary shelters, were concerned for the safety support and improve their art individuals has now grown raise funds for the “Walk For A drug treatment centers, and of Macao’s school children and programs. into a volunteer organization Million” event, and some local nurseries. arranged a visit to Escola de S. with more than 2,600 members charities and social service The WE Volunteer Team has Jose Ka Ho to hand out Made SUPPORTING MACAU who have selflessly provided a organizations. always prioritized single elderly In Macau reusable face masks, SPECIAL OLYMPICS cumulative total of over 50,000 people. In March last year, and helped clean the school to TO PROMOTE SPORTS hours of community service. COMMUNITY SUPPORT the team visited the “Peng On ensure that the students have INCLUSION Last month, Wynn held the DURING THE PANDEMIC Tung” Tele-assistance Service a comfortable environment To facilitate social inclusion, “WE Volunteer 10th Anniversary OUTBREAK Centre of Macau, and since to study in. An additional and Wynn often organizes Double Appreciation Charity Since the outbreak of the then has successfully provided unexpected surprise came when various sports activities in Fun Fair” to celebrate another pandemic, Wynn has donated a emotional support and the volunteers donated over 600 cooperation with social service year of exemplary work by total of MOP 5 million in support counselling over the phone for books and electronic devices to organizations; these activities the WE Volunteer Team. The of local SMEs, social enterprises, nearly 2,000 Peng On Tung users, the school’s library in hopes of include football matches, event featured nearly 30 social social service organizations and spending time to understand promoting the joy of reading and bowling games, basketball service organizations who disadvantaged groups in the city their living conditions and how learning amongst students. games and charity runs. Wynn were invited to set up game which have been most affected. to help them better prevent has also sponsored the annual booths and participate in a Furthermore, in coordination against Covid-19 infection, FOCUS ON ART TRAINING basketball event hosted by the range of performances, and with the Social Welfare Bureau thereby supporting the Centre FOR CHILDREN WITH Macau Special Olympics (MSO) many volunteers, community of the Macau SAR Government, in its hour of need to resolve the DISABILITIES for 7 consecutive years. Last The Macau Association For year’s event was participated in The Mentally Handicapped is by more than 100 MSO members a long-term partner of Wynn. and their families, which aimed This year, paintings created by at training the hand, eye, and the association’s students have body coordination of MSO been integrated into Wynn’s members with various levels of 2021 calendar, where it is hoped disability, and inspired them to that they will inspire the public further develop their sporting to better understand the diverse potential. It also provided an imagination and creativity that opportunity for members to mentally handicapped people further integrate into society, possess, and through this with the hope of promoting recognition and acceptance, a harmonious society that promote their harmonious respects and cherishes members integration into the community. of the community who are Last month, the WE Volunteer disabled. page 6 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 08.01.2021 fri

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There are three special pro- PATRIOTIC EDUCATION jects for each module. Buil- ding a sense of national iden- tity, a sense of rule of law and Mainland youth groups issue a sense of political awareness are the three special projects for the first module. policy targeting SARs’ students This module aims to help and Macau young JULIE ZHU people to deepen and enhance their knowledge and unders- HE central office of the tanding of ‘one country, two TCommunist Youth Lea- systems,’ socialism with Chi- gue and the secretary of the nese characteristics and the All-China Youth Federation country’s governance system. recently issued a policy provi- The national conditions ding instructions to Mainland education module covers authorities on how to streng- three special projects: feeling then the patriotic education of the achievements of reform, students from the two SARs. understanding the national The policy specifically con- strategy, and perceiving the cerns students from Hong advantages of the system. Kong and Macau who go to The modules are targeted for exchange to help Hong Kong and Macau activities. young people understand the The policies clarified the ba- advantages, value and vitali- sic principles of exchange acti- ty of the socialist system with vities for the SARs’ youth in the Chinese characteristics in a mainland, requiring educators comprehensive manner. to adhere to the orientation In regard to the Chinese toward patriotic education history and culture module, throughout all activities, and the three special projects are: enhance the national cons- experiencing traditional cul- ciousness and patriotism of ture, feeling the red spirit, and Hong Kong and Macau youth, enhancing local kinship. while adhering to hierarchical These projects are aimed at classification, and considering helping the young people of different ages in doing so. dized procedures with local and Basic Law, national con- projects. The three modules the both SARs to fully unders- Organizers of the activities actual conditions in order to ditions, Chinese history, and consists of three aspects: the tand the national spirit with should carry out the exchange ensure diversity of thought. Chinese cultural education. Constitution and Basic Law, patriotism at the core, and to programs based on local con- The policy closely suppor- The policy includes three national conditions, and Chi- continuously enhance natio- ditions, and integrate standar- ts education on Constitution modules and nine special nese history and culture. nal self-esteem and pride.

NAM VAN PLAN New law officializes DSSOPT: Committee members off-duty security officers’ fully express public opinions ANTHONY LAM The two proposals heritage piece. have received more She further explai- disciplinary obligations ONTRARY to the than 130 opinion sub- ned that the preser- Cone-sided oppo- missions, with many vation plan focuses JULIE ZHU of security forces and security that the government does not sing opinions received of them asking that on the relationship services. mean to interfere with the pri- on the two proposed the height clearances between land and sea HE statute of personnel of After the committee mee- vate life of the personnel of the development plans on be restricted rather and its embodiment Tthe security service force ting, Chairman of the AL Third security force by writing the afo- Nam Van Lake, Chan than asking for the of Macau’s transfor- highlights that the government Standing Committee Vong Hin rementioned policy in the law. Pou Ha, Director of the entire plan to be scra- mation into a city has officially included off-duty Fai commented that the new Vong mentioned that how Land, Public Works pped or for the court through marine tra- security force officers’ discipli- law has made an explicit defini- members of the public view and Transport Bureau houses to be scrapped ding. nary obligation in the law. tion regarding disciplinary vio- the cases is a key standard in (DSSOPT) concluded Several committee “The bridge is not a In August, the Legislative As- lations by the personnel of the evaluating disciplinary cases that “the opinions of members referred to historic object; the sea sembly (AL) preliminarily pas- security force. concerning off-duty officers. Urban Planning Com- the “dignity” of the ju- is,” she added. sed this new law. Yesterday, the He has pointed out that The lawmaker exemplified mittee members have diciary embodied in a Leong defended Third Standing Committee of when off-duty officers’ conduct this by arguing that there is no fully expressed those consolidated location the fact that the de- the AL carried out a discussion directly and indirectly damages problem with security force of the society.” for the court, as justi- velopment proposals on the detailed provisions befo- the reputation and the image personnel to consume alcohol Chan’s comment fication that the new have not been submi- re the AL votes on the law article of the security force, or directly off duty, however, the concer- was made to the press court houses are nee- tted for the Cultural by article. or indirectly leads to the public ned individuals will probably be on the sidelines of We- ded. Heritage Committee’s Article No.83 of the law sta- having doubts about the securi- considered to have violated the dnesday’s committee On the sidelines of review, saying “[the tes that, for the effect of this ty force’s actions with respect to law in cases where the person plenary. She is also the the same occasion, proposals] were not a law, a disciplinary infraction is justice and morality, the officers commits violence under the in- President of the com- Leong Wai Man, Vice special topic [that are considered to be the culpab- may also be held accountable fluence of alcohol. mittee. President of the Cultu- worth discussion at le behavior for the personnel for violating the discipline. In regard to this article, the Her description of ral Affairs Bureau, told the committee].” of the security forces and of According to Vong, the se- law also prescribes five years committee members the press that for Wor- During Wednes- the services that, by omission, curity force has always imple- and 10 years as retrospective as industry professio- ld Heritage sites, there day’s plenary, Leong violates the general or special mented the policies to punish periods for personnel of the se- nals or experts in all are obvious universal mentioned that the duties inherent to the person’s off-duty violations. The gover- curity force and for personnel walks of life justified values to be protected. new court houses will function, even if outside the nment is only officially writing of the judiciary police, respec- her conclusion, “no The church on the not block the view but effective exercise of functions, down the regulation in this new tively. Retired security service matter how the social Penha Hill, however, in the future the sea provided that they contend with law to officialize the policy. personnel are not subject to the discussion went,” she is not a World Heritage will not be seen as a the dignity and public prestige The lawmaker also explained policy. added. item. It is only a local whole. www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 7 fri 08.01.2021 中國 CHINA

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ZEN SOO, HONG KONG HONG KONG AILED Hong Kong pro-de- mocracy activist Joshua Wong was arrested on a new charge under the national Wong questioned, US lawyer Jsecurity law yesterday while an American rights lawyer who was detained in a sweeping crack- down was granted bail. released in crackdown Friends and family of Wong, who is serving a 13 1/2-month pri- tion from the U.N., the U.S. and ncil in Geneva, said the arrests son sentence for organizing and Europe. indicate that “the offence of sub- participating in an unauthorized AP PHOTO U.S. Secretary of State Mike version under the National Se- protest in 2019, were informed Pompeo said he was “appalled by curity Law is indeed being used to that he was arrested on suspicion the news of the arrest of an Ame- detain individuals for exercising of violating the national security rican citizen as part of this cam- legitimate rights to participate in law and was taken away to give a paign of political repression.” He political and public life.” statement on the new charge, ac- said the United States would not Kurt Tong, the former U.S. con- cording to a post on his Facebook tolerate the arbitrary detention sul general in Hong Kong, saw the page. or harassment of its citizens and arrests as part of a methodical and The post also stated that Wong’s would explore further sanctions escalating campaign to eradica- lawyer was unable to meet with and restrictions on Chinese and te viable opposition politics both him, and that Wong had been Hong Kong officials and entities. among the protesters and elected transferred back to prison after gi- The legislative election that parties. ving the statement, which was not would have followed the unoffi- “The national security law pro- disclosed. Pro-democratic party members respond to the mass arrests during a press cial primaries was postponed by vides the legal foundation to do Separately, John Clancey, an conference in Hong Kong a year by Hong Kong Chief Execu- that,” said Tong, now a partner American human rights lawyer tive Carrie Lam, who cited public at The Asia Group consultancy in who works at law firm Ho Tse Wai paralyze the government and sub- pro-democracy camp to determi- health risks during the coronavi- Washington, D.C. & Partners, was granted bail, his vert state power. ne the best candidates to field as rus pandemic. China wants to preserve Hong associate said. He was one of 53 The mass arrests were the lar- they sought to gain a majority in The remaining activists will be Kong’s economic vibrancy and activists arrested Wednesday un- gest move against Hong Kong’s Hong Kong’s legislature. granted bail without charge, al- free market without what it views der the national security law. He democracy movement since Bei- While most of those arrested though most had their passports as political complications, he did not immediately return a call jing imposed the law last June to were candidates in the primaries, confiscated as evidence, accor- said. He didn’t predict a mass exo- seeking comment. quell dissent in the semi-autono- Clancey was a treasurer for politi- ding to the South China Morning dus by companies, saying the city The activists are accused of mous territory following months cal organization Power for Demo- Post, which cited unnamed sour- retains its residual energy and dy- taking part in an unofficial pri- of anti-government protests in cracy, which was involved in the ces. namism, but warned there cou- mary election last year that au- 2019. event. Liz Throssell, a spokesperson ld be a measurable impact over thorities say was part of a plan to The primaries were held by the The arrests drew condemna- for the U.N. Human Rights Cou- time. AP

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ONGRESS con- USA firmed Democrat this day in history Joe Biden as the presidential elec- 1961 French vote for Ction winner early Thursday Algerian freedom after a violent mob loyal to Biden win confirmed President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in a stunning attempt to over- turn America’s presidential after pro-Trump mob election, undercut the na- tion’s democracy and keep Trump in the White House. Lawmakers were resol- storms US Capitol ved to complete the Electo- ral College tally in a display hectoring Pence, who had to the country, and the wor- a largely ceremonial role, to ld, of the nation’s enduring AP PHOTO aid the effort to throw out commitment to uphold the the results. He tweeted, “Do will of the voters and the it Mike, this is a time for ex- The French people have voted to grant Algeria its peaceful transfer of power. treme courage!” independence in a referendum. They pushed through the But Pence, in a statement The result was a clear majority for self-determi- night with tensions high shortly before presiding, de- nation, with 75% voting in favour. and the nation’s capital on fied Trump, saying he could In Algeria, a slightly lower percentage - 69% - alert. not claim “unilateral autho- voted in favour. More than 40% of the electorate Before dawn yesterday, rity” to reject the electoral abstained in response to a campaign by the rebel lawmakers finished their votes that make Biden pre- pro-independence group FLN to boycott the vote. work, confirming Biden sident. The FLN, led by Ben Bella, has been waging an in- won the election. In the aftermath of the creasingly violent guerrilla war against French co- Vice President Mike Pen- siege, several Republicans lonists for seven years, causing a political crisis in ce, presiding over the joint announced they would France. session, announced the People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into drop their objections to The French President, Charles de Gaulle, was tally, 306-232. the House Chamber at the US Capitol the election, including Sen. elected back into office three years ago on a man- Trump, who had repeate- Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who date to prevent the war in Algeria spilling over into dly refused to concede the divisions that have coursed he backed their cause. lost her bid for reelection France. election, said in a statement through the country during Hours later, Twitter for Tuesday. The referendum result was welcomed by French Prime Minister Michel Debré as a “clear and striking immediately after the vote Trump’s four years in office. the first time time locked Earlier, protesters had response”. that there will be a smooth Though the efforts to blo- Trump’s account, deman- fought past police and brea- General de Gaulle was informed of the results by transition of power on Inau- ck Biden from being sworn ded that he remove twee- ched the building, shou- telephone at his country home at Colombey-les- guration Day. in on Jan. 20 were sure to ts excusing violence and ting and waving Trump -Deux-Eglises and remarked that the “good sense” “Even though I totally di- fail, the support Trump has and American flags as threatened “permanent of the people had prevailed. sagree with the outcome of received for his efforts to suspension.” they marched through the There was an atmosphere of high tension in Alge- the election, and the facts overturn the election results A somber President-e- halls, many without masks ria as voting took place. bear me out, nevertheless have badly strained the na- lect Biden, two weeks away during the COVID-19 cri- Security was at its highest in the capital, Algiers, there will be an orderly tion’s democratic guardrails. from being inaugurated, sis. Lawmakers were told to where an estimated 20,000 French troops were on transition on January 20th,” Congress reconvened in said American democracy duck under their seats for patrol. Trump said in a statement the evening, with lawmakers was “under unpreceden- cover and put on gas masks In the event, however, the voting passed off rela- posted to Twitter by an aide. decrying the protests that ted assault, “ a sentiment after tear gas was used in tively peacefully. The Capitol was under defaced the Capitol and echoed by many in Con- the Capitol Rotunda. Some There was some violence - in one of the worst in- siege yesterday, as the na- vowing to finish confirming gress, including some Repu- House lawmakers tweeted cidents, ten Algerians and a French army corporal tion’s elected representa- the Electoral College vote blicans. Former President they were sheltering in pla- were killed in the south of the country when offi- tives scrambled to crouch for Biden’s election, even if George W. Bush said he wat- ce in their offices. cials said the rebel FLN staged a raid on a polling under desks and don gas it took all night. ched the events in “disbelief The woman who was booth. But overall the authorities expressed relief masks while police futilely Pence reopened the Se- and dismay.” killed was part of a crowd that it had not been worse. tried to barricade the buil- nate and directly addressed The domed Capitol buil- that was breaking down Algeria has the largest white settler population ding, one of the most jarring the demonstrators: “You did ding has for centuries been the doors to a barricaded of any French African colony, with a million people scenes ever to unfold in a not win.” the scene of protests and room where armed officers of French descent holding power over eight million seat of American political Republican Senate Ma- occasional violence. But stood on the other side, po- Algerian Muslims. power. A woman was shot jority Leader Mitch Mc- Wednesday’s events were lice said. She was shot in the Courtesy BBC News and killed inside the Capi- Connell said the “failed particularly astounding chest by Capitol Police and tol, and Washington’s mayor insurrection” underscored both because they unfolded taken to a hospital where instituted an evening cur- lawmakers’ duty to finish at least initially with the im- she was pronounced dead. few in an attempt to contain the count. Democratic plicit blessing of the presi- City police said three other In context the violence. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dent and because of the un- people died from medical The rioters were egged said Congress would show derlying goal of overturning emergencies during the French settlers in Algeria reacted with outrage to this clearest sign yet that Algeria was heading to- on by Trump, who has spent the world “what America is the results of a free and fair long protest on and around wards independence. weeks falsely attacking the made of” with the outcome. presidential election. the Capitol grounds. The former military commander in Algeria, General integrity of the election The president gave his Tensions were alrea- Staff members grabbed Raoul Salan, founded the Organisation de l’Armée and had urged his suppor- supporters a boost into dy running high when boxes of Electoral Colle- Secrète (OAS), an extremist organisation of French ters to descend on Washin- action Wednesday mor- lawmakers gathered ear- ge votes as the evacuation settlers determined to fight the independence movement. gton to protest Congress’ ning at a rally outside the lier for the constitutionally took place. Otherwise, said Led by Salan and a group of French army officers formal approval of Biden’s White House, where he ur- mandated counting of the Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., it staged an unsuccessful coup in Algiers in April victory. Some Republi- ged them to march to the Electoral College results, the ballots likely would have 1961 as well as carrying out several bomb attacks can lawmakers were in the Capitol. He spent much of in which Biden defeated been destroyed by the pro- in mainland France and attempting to assassinate midst of raising objections the afternoon in his priva- Trump, 306-232. Despi- testers. President de Gaulle on several occasions. Salan was captured in Algiers in 1962 and impris- to the results on his behalf te dining room off the Oval te pleas from McCon- The mob’s storming of oned from 1962-1968. when the proceedings were Office watching scenes of nell, more than 150 GOP Congress prompted outra- After his arrest the OAS gradually disintegrated. abruptly halted by the mob. the violence on television. lawmakers planned to su- ge, mostly from Democrats The Evian Agreements between the French gov- Together, the protests At the urging of his staff, pport objections to some of but from Republicans as ernment and Ben Bella for the FLN brought inde- and the GOP election ob- he reluctantly issued a pair the results, though lacking well, as lawmakers accused pendence to Algeria in July 1962. French officials estimate the eight years of ter- jections amounted to an al- of tweets and a taped vi- evidence of fraud or wrong- Trump of fomenting the rorism and warfare leading to independence cost most unthinkable challenge deo telling his supporters doing in the election. violence with his relentless 350,000 lives - Algerian sources put the figure to American democracy and it was time to “go home in Trump spent the lead-up falsehoods about election much higher at 1.5 million. exposed the depths of the peace” — yet he still said to the proceedings publicly fraud. AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 9 fri 08.01.2021 資訊／娛樂 INFOTAINMENT

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YOUR STARS The Born Loser by Chip Sansom

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Mar. 21-Apr. 19 Apr. 20-May. 20 What better way is there to feel Do you know the fastest route to your powerful than by improving your happy place? If not, you’d better living situation in such a way figure it out quick! There could be at that every day moving forward least one difficult personality living you can see the influence you up to their reputation today, making have? your life a little bit more difficult.

Gemini Cancer

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MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

LINDSEY BAHR, DRIVE IN makeup artist behind “The Grand MDT/AP FILM WRITER Budapest Hotel.” It is a remarkab- le achievement in special effects. HE latest cinematic rendering The production design is Tof “Pinocchio,” from Italian Italian ‘Pinocchio’ takes equally noteworthy, from Geppe- director Matteo Garrone, is infor- tto’s workshop to the stunning med not by the friendly 1940 Walt home of the blue-haired fairy who Disney retelling, but the original the puppet to its roots watches over Pinocchio. Althou- source material. Carlo Collodi’s gh the naturally beautiful Italian 1883 novel “The Adventures of landscapes threaten to upstage Pinocchio” is a much darker af- AP PHOTO a lot of the work. Benigni is also fair than the song-filled animated particularly strong in the film, version and Garrone’s film is also although his screen time is brief a more intense experience, even if and just at the beginning and end. he too has softened some of Collo- “Pinocchio” was never fa- di’s edges. The result may not be vorite as a child and I’m probably suitable for all children, but it is a not alone but there is an obvious strange, visionary and enchanting continuing appeal to the story old-world fairy tale that any fan of and its lessons. And although the Guillermo del Toro’s films or Wolf- world was not lacking for “Pinoc- gang Petersen’s “The NeverEnding chio” adaptations, there are still Story” should give a chance. many more to come. Soon we’ll It’s unfortunate though un- have a Robert Zemeckis version derstandable that the Italian film with Tom Hanks on Disney+ and has been dubbed into English for a Guillermo del Toro stop-mo- its North American theatrical re- tion animated one on Netflix with lease, making it slightly annoying Ewan McGregor, Tilda Swinton for adults but ultimately more ac- and Cate Blanchett. Before we’re cessible to children. The best you overwhelmed by such starry fare can do under these circumstances and accessible fare, however, you Roberto Benigni (left) and Federico Ielapi in a scene from “Pinocchio” is to just try to ignore it because, might also make time for this one for now, it’s the only way you can too. It has the makings of a stealth experience it in the U.S. son and overcome with joy when away from home in the company of what a wooden puppet that’s classic. Blending realism and fantasy, he gets what he wished for. But of less than savory characters who come to life might look like. His Garrone’s film takes us back to an Pinocchio, played by Federico Ie- he is too trusting of. And Pinoc- look is almost identical to Enrico “Pinocchio,” a Roadside At- impoverished Tuscany where Ro- lapi, does not emerge grateful: He chio must embark on a dangerous Mazzanti’s original drawings and tractions release, is rated PG-13 berto Benigni as Geppetto sculpts is restless and naughty, which is and epic odyssey to try to find his translated to this live-action film by the Motion Picture Association a young boy puppet out of an en- partly naivete and partly mischie- way back to Geppetto and safety. through a combination of com- of America for “some disturbing chanted piece of wood and begs it vousness. It’s not too long before This Pinocchio is perhaps one puter graphics and makeup from images.” Running time: to come to life. He’s desperate for a his disobedience finds him far of the more realistic depictions Mark Coulier, the Oscar-winning 125 minutes. ad www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 11 fri 08.01.2021 體育 SPORTS

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

ANDREW DAMPF & DANIELLA MATAR AP PHOTO MILAN 1, JUVENTUS 3

C MILAN’S 27-game unbeaten run in Serie A ended yesterday [Ma- cau time] with a 3-1 loss toA Juventus that gives the defen- ding champion renewed hope of a 10th straight title. Federico Chiesa scored twice for Juventus with American Wes- ton McKennie adding the third goal as Milan lost in the league for the first time since March, a streak dating back to last season. “The lads are disappointed but in a way it is good for us to expe- rience the bitter taste of defeat, because it’s been a while,” Milan coach Stefano Pioli said. “I gave them a pat on the back, because when you give your all there shou- Juventus’ Weston McKennie celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s third goal ldn’t be any regrets.” Davide Calabria had equalized shortly before halftime for Milan, FOOTBALL | SERIE A which had been the last unbeaten team in any of Europe’s top five leagues. Milan still maintained its lea- gue lead, a point above city ri- Juventus wins at Milan to val Inter Milan, which lost 2-1 at Sampdoria. Juventus moved into fourth, seven points behind Mi- lan with a game in hand. A loss end Rossoneri’s unbeaten run for Juventus would have stretched “Seven players out is a lot for Chiesa restored Juve’s lead in came on only for the final half the final Champions League spot. Milan’s lead to 13 points and left anyone,” Pioli said. “We knew the 62nd minute but went off se- hour as he returns from injury. Atalanta remained one point the Turin club’s nine-year stran- that if there was a team that we conds later with an injury. His Alexis Sanchez had a penal- further back after defeating Par- glehold on the title hanging by a could find ourselves in difficulty replacement, McKennie, scored ty saved early on by Sampdoria ma 3-0 with goals from Luis thread. against, it was Juve. It’s a team in the 76th from close range after goalkeeper Emil Audero, after Muriel, Duvan Zapata and Robin “It was important to win toni- that has won nine straight titles, good work from Dejan Kulusevski which Ashley Young knocked the Gosens to move level on poin- ght for ourselves,” said Juventus has great players and we held our down the right flank. rebound off the post. ts with Napoli, which lost 2-1 at coach Andrea Pirlo, who played own.” Third-place Roma moved wi- home to promoted Spezia. for Milan for 10 seasons. “We Chiesa hit the post before ope- STREAK ENDED thin three points of Inter with a Spezia fought back from a goal didn’t look at the results of the ning the scoring in the 18th mi- Both of Sampdoria’s goals were 3-1 win at last-place Crotone be- down and Tommaso Pobega sco- others, we take it game by game nute, stroking Paulo Dybala’s ba- scored by former Inter players to fore hosting the Nerazzurri on red the winner despite his side and then we’ll see where we are in ckheeled flick into the bottom left end Inter’s eight-match winning Sunday. having been reduced to 10 men a few months. corner following a swift one-two streak. Inter’s only other league loss following a second yellow card for “We had a good game, it was with the Argentine. Antonio Candreva put Samp- this season came in mid-October, defender Ardian Ismajli. important to play with this spirit, Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech doria ahead with a penalty befo- when it was defeated 2-1 in the Also, Lazio defeated Fiorentina control the game and try to win.” Szczsnyę was forced into a number re Keita Baldé Diao finished off a Milan derby. 2-1 with goals from Felipe Caice- Both Milan and Juventus had of saves before Milan leveled four well-worked counterattack before do and Ciro Immobile. players ruled out with the coro- minutes before the break with a the break. OTHER MATCHES Hellas Verona drew 1-1 at To- navirus while the home side was rapid counterattack that ended Stefan de Vrij pulled one back Sassuolo beat relegation-threa- rino; Filippo Inzaghi’s promoted also missing several through in- with Rafael Leão rolling the ball for Inter with a header in the 65th tened Genoa 2-1 with a late hea- Benevento squad won 2-1 at Ca- jury, including key forward Zlatan across for Calabria to place into but the visitors’ sorely lacked der from Gianluca Raspadori to gliari; and Bologna drew 2-2 with Ibrahimović. the top right corner. a fully fit Romelu Lukaku, who move into fourth, holding on to Udinese. AP

Macau Racing Tips By Davy Chiu, MDT

The Leverkusen 1350 Metres Sand 2021-01-08 | Fri | 21:25

am taking a chance on W.Smith’s charge Pride Mountain as my best bet for I this Friday’s evening sand meeting. Pride Mountain is in the right grade al- though his last outing was not smooth all through, but this 1350 metres sand race is a much more suitable race for him. He has speed and has shown signi- ficant improvement in his morning work for the contest this Friday. The riding booking of T.Oppie would make his odds attractive and I hope that this race would give jock T.Oppie his first winner for the season. It is a race that you need to take on with confidence, Pride Mountain would go nicely with good odds on the day, it does worth to invest small bets to get good handsome returns on him.

Race 5 | Horse no. 9 Pride Mountain Win & Place bets Virus restrictions heightened the in Hebei province BUZZ Lockdown measures were being imposed in the northern Chine- The National Health Commission yesterday announced 51 new se province of Hebei where coronavirus cases more than doubled cases had been confirmed in Hebei province, bringing the total to in the region near Beijing that’s due to host some events in next 90 since Sunday. Most have been in Shijiazhuang, although cases year’s Winter Olympics. have also been recorded in the city of Xingtai. Rail, air and highway connections to the Hebei capital of Shijia- Authorities have also imposed similarly tight measures in the ci- zhuang, a city of at least 10 million people, have been suspended ties of Shenyang and Dalian in Liaoning province just to the north. and prevention and control measured tightened over urban com- Wary of a new wave of infections, China is discouraging travel OPINION munities and villages in the area. Classes have been suspended over next month’s Lunar New Year holiday and beginning school World Views and school dormitories isolated. holidays a week early. The Editors, MDT/Bloomberg

Republicans’ electoral AP PHOTO AP PHOTO theatrics will do lasting harm

It’s a spectacle that precisely captures Ame- rica’s current dysfunction: Nothing is really Australia is bringing happening in Congress today [yesterday], yet forward its COVID-19 something is being irreparably broken all the vaccination rollout to same. mid-February with plans In its first joint session, the 117th Congress to inoculate 15% of is meeting to count the votes of the Electo- the population by late ral College, a ceremonial event that has pro- March. It had planned ved largely uneventful since 1789. Rather to start vaccinations than simply affirming the will of the people, in March after the government argued however, dozens of Republican lawmakers against an emergency have said they plan to lodge objections to the rollout because of lower process, delaying the proceedings for hours transmission rates than and again calling into question the legitima- other countries. Prime cy of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Minister Scott Morrison Some of the objectors have taken issue with said he expected the arcane state electoral procedures. Others Violent protesters, loyal to President Donald Trump, storm the Capitol Pfizer vaccine would have expressed a more generalized dislike of be delivered two weeks Democrats. Senator Ted Cruz and his allies after the Australian have demanded an electoral commission to regulator approved it in investigate (fact-free) allegations of fraud, late January. to be modeled on the one established after Hong Kongers call the “Hayes-Tilden presidential race” of 1876. Czech Republic (That commission, incidentally, resulted in Coronavirus infections a compromise so corrupt and overtly racist US violence a setback in the country have that it has been a byword for electoral dys- hit a new all-time high function ever since.) for a second straight All these self-styled objectors are well for democracy day, prompting the government to extent a aware that they’re staging an absurd cha- ZEN SOO, HONG KONG morating the bloody cra- ned opinions on both sides. rade. Despite months of investigations, no ckdown on student-led “At least in the U.S., their current lockdown. The evidence of widespread fraud has materiali- Health Ministry reported ONG Kong residents pro-democracy protests in elections are fair. In Hong 17,668 new cases zed. And no amount of theatrics on the floor from across the politi- Beijing’s Tiananmen Square Kong, elections are can- yesterday, about 300 today will change the outcome of the elec- H cal spectrum condemned in 1989. celed,” said Leslie Chan, a more than the previous tion. Yet the harm they’re causing is all too mob violence at the U.S. “It’s very sad for us in district councilor in Hong record set a day earlier. real: One can foresee a future in which elec- Capitol, 18 months after Hong Kong to see mobs Kong, referring to a year- tions are increasingly decided not by votes cast but by ever more aggressive lawyering, protesters stormed their attacking Capitol Hill and -long postponement of the influence peddling and raw power politics. own legislature to demand trying to overthrow the city’s legislative elections In which electors are wooed by lobbyists or greater democracy, not the election results. We in Hong by Lam, who cited public browbeaten by digital mobs. In which every overthrow of election resul- Kong are fighting for a de- health risks from the coro- aspect of the process is probed for weaknes- ts. mocracy in which everyone navirus. ses, exploited by partisans and litigated into Pro-democracy activists has a right to vote,” Lee said. Beijing’s backers in the oblivion. said America’s reputation “But when we look at the territory criticized the U.S. You might hope that the Republicans and democracy were dama- U.S., it’s now a subversion violence as a sign of a break- WHO The head of who’ve persisted in pandering to President ged by yesterday’s violen- of the will of the people by down in law and order and the World Health Donald Trump would, even at this late date, Organization’s European ce, in which supporters of violence.” respect for the government. rethink their priorities. Yesterday’s Senate region says a new variant President Donald Trump Lee said the U.S. has now Pro-Beijing lawmaker runoffs in Georgia — which will in all like- of the coronavirus that lihood give Democrats unified control of the smashed their way into the become a “laughingstock.” Regina Ip called the use of emerged in Britain government for the first time in a decade U.S. Capitol in an attempt “The most damaging violence in an attempt to doesn’t appear to — should’ve made the point clearly enough. to overturn America’s pre- part is that the democratic overturn an electoral ou- increase the severity of That these lawmakers would still attempt to sidential election and keep world has been weakened, tcome “very serious” and symptoms, but it does “raise alarm” for health overthrow the results of a certified election, Democrat Joe Biden from and when that happens it said such acts could be seen care providers. Dr. Hans without even a facade of political legitimacy, replacing Trump. strengthens the hand of au- as an insurrection. Kluge pointed to “new is all the more shameful. Those in Hong Kong’s thoritarian rulers from all Ip, a former Hong Kong challenges brought by But a larger share of blame lies with the pre- pro-Beijing establishment over the world,” he said. secretary for security, said the mutating virus” and sident himself. In the past three months, he also denounced the violen- Hong Kong experienced some U.S. politicians had says the region is facing has undermined nearly every element of the ce, calling it a possible in- months of anti-government dismissed the storming of a “tipping point in the electoral process. He has refused to concede surrection. protests in 2019 against pro- Hong Kong’s legislature as course of the pandemic.” a contest he soundly lost. He has demanded recounts and investigations based solely on The storming of the U.S. posed legislation that wou- something “not to be taken conspiracy theories. He and his allies have Capitol came one day af- ld have allowed suspects in seriously.” ter Hong Kong authorities the semi-autonomous city “Our police were accused

lodged dozens of legal challenges, and have AP PHOTO been defeated on every point of substance. arrested 53 pro-democra- to be sent to mainland Chi- of brutality, but their police Resorting finally to outright corruption, on cy activists, accusing them na for trial. The bill was wi- have used much more for- Saturday he demanded that Georgia’s secre- of subversion over allega- thdrawn but the protesters’ ce. They’ve already killed tary of state simply produce an extra 11,780 tions they sought to elect demands morphed into one person,” she said. One votes for him and declare that the tally had lawmakers who would calls for greater democracy protester was shot inside South Africa says it will been “recalculated” — that is, do precisely hamstring the Legislative and other reforms that were the Capitol during yester- what Trump has falsely accused his oppo- import 1.5 million doses Council’s work and force rejected by the government day’s violence, while three nent of doing. of the AstraZeneca the resignation of Chief Exe- amid increasing violence other people died from me- It’s reassuring that these efforts will all be vaccine to inoculate the for naught, and that Biden will rightfully cutive Carrie Lam. between demonstrators dical emergencies. country’s health workers. It’s the nation’s first become president on Jan. 20. But don’t su- The violence in Washin- and police. “So I think this is a clear announcement of the ppose that no lasting damage has been done. gton weakened arguments The July 1-2, 2019, attack example of how we all purchase of a COVID-19 The customs and norms that have long bou- for American democratic on the Legislative Council, live in glass houses, don’t vaccine. It comes as nd American civic life are coming undone. values, said Lee Cheuk-yan, in which protesters occu- throw stones. They lived in record highs of 21,832 What chaos might take their place is anyo- a pro-democracy activist pied and defaced the cham- a glass house and they kept new confirmed cases ne’s guess. and one of the organizers ber and offices, was seen as throwing stones at ours,” and 844 deaths were of an annual vigil comme- a turning point that harde- she said. AP registered yesterday.