Democracy takes a huge hit in Hong Kong

Published

4 years ago

June 23, 2021

apple daily hong kong pro democracy magazine

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive leader Carrie Lam defends her government’s raids on pro-democracy news organisation, Apple Daily.

The Chief Executive leader of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam has responded to criticisms of her government’s move to raid the publication, Apple Daily.

Lam says the criticisms are “beautifying” acts that have ultimately endangered national security.

The leader believes the media “has the ability to grasp what types of activities would endanger national security”.

Hong Kong leader says ‘it’s fine to criticise the government’

She says “it is fine to criticise the Hong Kong government, but if there is an intent or organised activity to incite or subvert the government, that’s another thing.”

Lam says the national security measures are “preventive and penalising” and believes allegations that the laws are suppressing freedom of speech are “wrong”.

As Hong Kong's tourism industry flourished greatly, the damage caused by the impossible is devastating. Of course, many would like to visit Hong Kong, but those who used to be tourism workers are losing their jobs. How should I help them?
— Plaid Carrie Lam (@Plaid_Lam) December 7, 2019

Article 23

It comes as the leader flags that she may not be able to legislate Article 23 of the city-state’s Basic Law.

Article 23 provides that Hong Kong must enact a range of laws that work in accordance with the national security law that was imposed by Beijing this time last year.

Electric vehicles transform last mile delivery market

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

Published

18 hours ago

October 1, 2025

ticker NEWS

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) for last mile delivery is accelerating globally, with Australia expected to see significant growth.

Companies and retailers are increasingly adopting greener solutions, driven by supporting government initiatives.

Joe Sofra from ANC discussed the current state of the last mile EV market.

#ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #LastMileDelivery #Innovation #Australia

News

Trump gives Hamas ultimatum for Gaza peace plan acceptance

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

Published

1 day ago

October 1, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

In Short:
– Trump gives Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, warning of consequences.
– Hamas calls the plan biased and insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal before considering any agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza, warning of severe consequences if they reject it.The plan, shared by mediators Qatar and Egypt, emerged after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed it during a visit to the White House. Hamas, which was not part of the talks, is expected to review the proposal that calls for disarmament, a previously rejected demand.

Trump stated that support for the plan came from both Israeli and Arab leaders, and he emphasised the need for Hamas to respond promptly. The proposal includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and disarmament of Hamas, along with a transitional government.

A Hamas source described the plan as biased towards Israel and containing unacceptable conditions.

The group maintains that a complete Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for their agreement to any deal, while they are unwilling to disarm.

Pressure Mounts

Hamas faces significant pressure as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt have supported the initiative. Turkey’s intelligence head is also set to join discussions in Doha, marking a new level of mediation.

Despite expressing initial support, Netanyahu is cautious about the plan’s implications for Palestinian statehood and faces pressure from his coalition. Public sentiment in Gaza reflects a desire for peace, albeit with scepticism about the sincerity of both Trump and Netanyahu’s commitments.