Briefs: IC claims no knowledge of Rua de Felicidade shop ownership

Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) president Ung Vai Meng has told the media that he had no knowledge of a recent Hong Kong magazine report, which claimed that a local enterprise is purchasing the ownership of the shops in Rua de Felicidade. He reiterated that the government would assess the historical value of a building in order to decide whether or not to repair it. Mr Ung also addressed the question as to whether any enterprises are attempting to profit from the repair of the Rua de Felicidade shops. He claimed that the building owners have an obligation to repair their own properties. If the owners cannot afford the construction costs, the government will provide assistance. However, the government will will ask that this cost be repaid, if the owners are financially able to handle the repair expenses.

Tou Fa Gong accusation rejected

Local businessman Teng Man Lai has told the Court of First Instance (TJB) that he did not plan to acquire the land ownership of shops at Rua do Padre João Clímaco (also known as Tou Fa Gong), near the Red Market, through acquisitive prescription. Nevertheless, he has admitted that he sent two men to collect rental payments from the shop occupants, without showing documents that proved his ownership of the land. However, he claims that there is no receipt for the rental transactions, and that he could not be certain about the situation. Mr Teng later stated that he will remain silent and will not answer any further questions. Meanwhile, a number of Tou Fa Gong occupants have given their testimony to the court. The occupants claim that they have never paid rent to anybody, including the two men that Teng Man Lai has mentioned. They also claim to have never previously met Teng Man Lai.