Ho Chio Meng’s former lawyer Leong Weng Pun is reportedly still deciding if he will issue a justification to the Court of Final Appeal (TUI) regarding the reasons which led him to recuse himself from Ho’s defense. In response to Leong’s withdrawal from the case on Wednesday, TUI issued a notice informing him of his obligation to notify the court of the reasons behind his decision to drop the case. Leong told Radio Macau that TUI’s request is lawful but that he cannot fulfil the request at the moment. Ho had a five-day timeframe from the time of Leong’s resignation to find a new lawyer or accept a court-appointed counsel. Before the session was interrupted on Wednesday, Leong himself was interrupted several times by the judge while questioning a witness. He later hinted that the court appeared to be siding with the prosecution.
Authorities searching for survivors of fishing boat
Authorities are searching for the crew and passengers of a fishing boat that sunk yesterday afternoon between Macau’s Friendship Bridge and the Taipa Ferry Terminal. The Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) said that it found the boat and towed it to shore, but could not identify its owner. The whereabouts of all crew members and passengers are still unknown. DSAMA’s land and water rescue teams are searching for survivors.
NPC Macau candidates must declare allegiance
The National People’s Congress of China will amend a legal bill regarding the election of Macau NPC members. According to a report by Macao Daily News, NPC Secretary Wang Chen said that the number of Macau NPC representatives will remain at 12, although additional regulations will be added to the election procedures. Wang announced that all candidates must declare their allegiance and support to China and Macau in their registration form, as well as their support of both China’s constitution law and the Basic Law. Candidates must also affirm that they do not receive any direct or indirect foreign financial support.
Zhuhai port to initiate renovation works
The Zhuhai port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge will soon finish construction work and commence its renovation phase, according to a report by Macao Daily News. The city is currently calling for public tenders for the port’s renovation. Over RMB500 million has been allocated for the initiative, including RMB275 million for renovations and RMB157.6 million for the installation of an intelligent system. The rest of the budget will be used to purchase and install elevators.
Former Party Secretary expelled
Li Jia, the former Communist Party Secretary of Zhuhai City, has been expelled from the Party and removed from public office, according to an announcement released on Wednesday by the CPC’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). CCDI said Li had used public funds to pay for expensive entertainment and to arrange trips for his relatives. Li had also reported false information, made unauthorized changes to his personal files, and promoted staff against regulations. Li accepted bribes and took advantage of his position to benefit other people, CCDI claimed. Li has been under investigation for serious disciplinary offenses since March 2016.
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