Jobs are top priority for government

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says the government will use all the available resources to create jobs, stimulate the economy and minimize the impact of the fiscal slowdown on the public.

He told lawmakers yesterday that the forecast for the coming year is a difficult one and the prime objective of the government is to preserve employment.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang recently announced a plan to create some 60,000 jobs next year.

Motorcyclist killed in traffic collision

Police were investigating a crash in which a 36-year-old motorcyclist died yesterday morning.

The man lost control and rammed into the back of a van on Kwai Chung Road near the Lai King MTR Station footbridge at about 8:20 am.

He was then run over by the rear wheel of a container truck traveling in the same direction. He was certified dead at the scene.

The truck and its 42-year-old driver were later located in Tsuen Wan.

LegCo investigates secretary's new job

The Legislative Council plans to investigate the employment of former permanent secretary for house, planning and lands Leung Chin-man.

The Council passed a motion last night to establish a select committee to investigate Leung's post-service employment with New World China Land. Legislators who supported the motion said Leung's move to join a property developer after leaving a post in the civil service closely connected to land development was a cause for concern.

Immigration department to boost 1868 capacity

The Immigration Department will consider increasing the capacity for the 1868 hotline after the chaotic situation in Thailand.

A senior department official said during a media luncheon that about 20 staff usually man the hotline, but the government seconded an additional 40 from other departments after Hong Kong tourists were stranded in Thailand.

China Daily

(HK Edition 12/11/2008 page1)