Fifth candidate running for CE

Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Consultant Yu Wing-yin, 65, announced candidacy for the Chief Executive (CE) election on Thursday.

Yu said he already has supporters on the CE election Committee but didn't disclose who they are.

Asked to comment on his advantages over other candidates, Yu said he carries no baggage and compared himself to a dark horse.

Before Yu, four others had announced their intention to join the race.

HKBU: Poll inquiry opens

Hong Kong Baptist University Vice-president Rick Wong Wai-kwok issued an email to staff, students and alumni on Thursday declaring that an investigation into the Chief Executive election poll controversy has begun.

He urged anyone able to assist the investigation to contact him by Saturday noon. He emphasized the probe is to be conducted in a fair and unbiased manner.

Professor Zhao Xinshu, dean of the School of Communication, is at the center of the poll controversy. He has been accused of publicizing preliminary results of a poll, favoring one Chief Executive candidate, before the surveywas complete.

HKU to double core courses

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) will increase the number of its core courses from 87 to 172. Subjects cover a range from technology to global cultures. The increase comes as the new "334" academic structure is implemented in tertiary institutions beginning this year.

Local universities will begin to offer four-year undergraduate programs instead of the three-year programs, from the 2012 academic year starting in September.

The university plans to open four new student dormitories, capable of accommodating 1,800 students, in the new academic year.

Sanki induction cooker recall

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department on Thursday advised consumers to stop using Sanki induction cookers model number SK-IC810 immediately, and approach the supplier, Sanki Electrical Appliance (International) Limited (Sanki), to arrange for a free replacement.

A recent safety test conducted by the Consumer Council revealed that the partial printed circuit board and induction coil could be accessible by consumers once the small drawer of bottom casing was removed, posing the potential risk of electric shock. The induction cookers were supplied to the local market between March 2011 and November 2011.

7-month-old dies at home

A 7-month-old baby boy was found dead at home in Tuen Mun around midnight on Thursday.

A 27-year-old man living in Tower 3 of Miami Beach Towers in Tuen Mun alerted police, reporting that his infant son fell unconscious with his face buried in his bed.

Hospital treatment failed to resuscitate him. Initial police investigation found no suspicious circumstances.

China Daily

(HK Edition 02/03/2012 page1)