Connect with us

News

controversial China proposes controversial Hong Kong security law

Published

on

China is proposing to introduce a new security law in Hong Kong that could ban sedition, secession and treason.

The move is likely to provoke strong opposition internationally and in Hong Kong, which last year saw months of pro-democracy protests.

China’s delayed National People’s Congress, its legislature, will debate the issue when it opens on Friday.

Hong Kong’s mini-constitution requires it to bring in such a law but it failed to do so amid widespread opposition.

Advertisement

The so-called Basic Law was introduced when the UK handed back Hong Kong’s sovereignty to China in 1997 and provides certain freedoms not available on the mainland.

The Hong Kong dollar dropped sharply yesterday in anticipation of the announcement.

The issue has been introduced on the NPC agenda, under the title of Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanism of Hong Kong. The opening of the NPC had been delayed because of the coronavirus outbreak.

A spokesman for the NPC said yesterday that China was planning to improve on the “one country, two systems” policy that Hong Kong has observed.

Advertisement

Zhang Yesui said: “National security is the bedrock underpinning the stability of the country. Safeguarding national security serves the fundamental interest of all Chinese, our Hong Kong compatriots included.”

Beijing has always had the power to enact the national security law into Hong Kong’s Basic Law but has so far refrained from doing so.

But Hong Kong is heading for elections to its own legislature in September and if last year’s success for pro-democracy parties in district elections is repeated, government bills could be blocked.

A mainland source told the South China Morning Post that Beijing had decided Hong Kong would not be able to pass its own security law and the NPC would have to take the responsibility.

Advertisement

Hong Kong’s government had tried to enact the so-called “sedition law” in 2003 but more than 500,000 people took to the streets and it was dropped.

China has the option to impose it into Annex III of the Basic Law, which covers national laws that must be observed in Hong Kong.

It is almost certain to do so, both in Hong Kong and abroad. -BBC

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

‘Company Secretaries Summit’ slated for July

Published

on

Ms Engmann

About 200 company secretaries, governance professionals and institutional leaders will gather in Accra for the ‘Company Secretaries Summit’ next month.

It is aimed at strengthening governance practices and enhance boardroom effectiveness across the country.

The summit, which is scheduled for July 16 at the Labadi Beach Hotel seeks to equip governance professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks required to navigate the increasingly complex demands of modern corporate leadership.

It will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focusing on emerging governance trends, boardroom dynamics, regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and stakeholder expectations.

Advertisement

According to the convener, Catherine Engmann, the summit comes at a critical time when governance professionals are under growing pressure to support sound decision-making, strengthen governance culture, and respond effectively to changing institutional and regulatory environments.

“This gathering is not just another conference. It is a platform for governance leaders who are already operating at the highest level and intend to stay there,” she said.

She noted that the programme was designed to provide participants with practical tools, fresh insights, and valuable professional connections.

According to Ms Engmann, a major highlight of the event will be the awards ceremony, which will recognise individuals and organisations that have demonstrated excellence in governance practice and made significant contributions to improving board effectiveness and corporate accountability.

Advertisement

She mentioned that the summit will also offer participants an opportunity to benchmark their practices against industry standards, exchange ideas with peers, and explore innovative approaches to governance challenges.

Beyond the formal sessions, the event is expected to foster networking and collaboration among governance professionals, helping to strengthen governance practices across Ghana’s corporate and institutional landscape.

Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, Ms Engmann, said the summit was inspired by the need to create a dedicated platform that recognises the critical role played by company secretaries and governance professionals.

According to her, the Company Secretaries’ Summit and Awards reflects her conviction that Ghana’s governance professionals deserve an annual platform where they can engage in meaningful discussions, build strategic relationships, and receive recognition for their contributions to effective governance.

Advertisement

Registration for the summit, she said was currently open, with interested professionals encouraged to secure their participation ahead of the event.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

Continue Reading

News

Homemade soya milk

Published

on

Homemade soya milk

-1 cup dried soya beans

-4–5 cups for water (for blending)

-Extra water for soaking

-Sugar, honey or dates (optional, for sweetness)

Advertisement

-Vanilla extract (optional)

Preparation

-Pick through the beans to remove stones or damaged seeds and rinse thoroughly

-Place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Soak for at least eight hours or overnight to soften it to blend easier

Advertisement

– After soaking, rub the beans with your hands as the skin begins to remove

– Removing the skins helps reduce the ‘beany’ taste and improves texture

– Put the soaked beans into a blender with 4–5 cups of clean water

-Blend until smooth and milky. (You may need to do this in batches depending on your blender size).

Advertisement

– Using a clean muslin cloth or fine sieve, strain the blended mixture into a pot. (Squeeze well to extract as much liquid as possible).

-The leftover pulp is called okara. Don’t throw it away — it can be used in baking, porridge, or even added to stews.

– Place the strained milk on medium heat and make it boil. Stir continuously to prevent burning or overflowing.

– Allow it to boil for at least 20–25 minutes. Proper boiling removes the raw taste and neutralises natural compounds that can upset the stomach.

Advertisement

-Once boiled a little sugar or honey. Pulse.gh

Health benefits of Soya beans

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending