The article criticizes the Hong Kong government's handling of Covid-19 measures, particularly the singling out of foreign domestic helpers for mandatory testing and vaccination. It argues that such policies are based on prejudicial assumptions and contribute to institutional racism. The article highlights past and present instances of racial insensitivity and calls for the government to be more aware of implicit biases in decision-making. Key figures such as Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Labour Minister Dr Law Chi-kwong are criticized for their roles in these policies, while the article also references historical and international perspectives on racism.

The article discusses the challenges BN(O) passport holders from Hong Kong may face when relocating to the UK, highlighting the persistent issue of racism and xenophobia in Britain. It critiques the British government's approach to addressing institutional racism and warns that the resettlement scheme could exacerbate anti-Asian sentiment. The article underscores the need for more comprehensive efforts to tackle deep-seated racism in the UK.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam conferred honours on notable individuals in Hong Kong, sparking a discussion on the appropriateness of the honours system, which has roots in British colonialism. The article argues that the system perpetuates inequality and social divisiveness, reflecting a colonial legacy that should be dismantled. Historical context is provided, highlighting how the honours system was used to maintain imperial control. The piece calls for genuine decolonisation efforts, beyond superficial changes, to address systemic oppression.

The Black Lives Matter protests have highlighted the need for Hong Kong to address potential racial discrimination within its police force. The article discusses past incidents, such as the 2009 police killing of a Nepalese man, and the lack of comprehensive reviews similar to the Macpherson Report in Britain. It calls for the Hong Kong government to investigate and remedy any racial injustices, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing racial inequality within the community.

Hong Kong residents have adapted to social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic since January 2020, with many working from home. The article shares the daily routines of four Hongkongers during lockdown, highlighting the changes in their work and personal lives. It discusses the benefits of working from home, such as saving time on commuting and having more control over one's schedule, as well as the challenges of staying motivated and the psychological impact of isolation. The individuals also share tips and insights gained from their experiences during the pandemic.

Hong Kong residents, accustomed to a fast-paced lifestyle, have found it challenging to adapt to more time spent at home due to social distancing measures. A poll by the Chinese University’s Centre for Communication and Public Opinion Survey revealed that over half felt a significant negative impact on their daily lives. Despite this, the author argues that this period could be an opportunity for personal growth and productivity, as history has shown with figures like Napoleon, Oscar Wilde, and Martin Luther King Jr., who used their time in isolation constructively. The article suggests that the pandemic could lead to more reading and improved parent-child relationships in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is grappling with the dual challenges of the Covid-19 outbreak and the lingering mental health impact of prolonged anti-government protests. The city's mental health is at its most fragile in eight years, exacerbated by economic uncertainties and high unemployment rates. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced budget allocations for job creation and mental health support, but details remain sparse. The government must enhance mental health awareness and support to help residents recover both physically and mentally.

Hong Kong lawmakers are urged to reconsider their approach to drug legislation, particularly concerning kratom. The article argues that prohibition has historically failed to curb drug use and instead fuels organized crime. It suggests that a regulated market for kratom could provide tax revenue and reduce criminal activity. The piece also questions the legitimacy of state interference in personal autonomy when no harm to others is involved, advocating for an evidence-based harm reduction approach over punitive measures.

District councillors in Hong Kong have fundamental responsibilities towards their constituents' welfare, a role that has evolved from the days when district officers were the main link between the government and local inhabitants. Despite the potential for conflicts of interest and the challenging nature of the job, as reflected by a former district officer named Coates, today's district councils offer dedicated platforms for addressing community-level affairs. It is crucial for councillors to prioritize the needs and expectations of their communities without being sidetracked by election politics.

More than 70 years after World War II, Japan has not issued a direct apology for its wartime actions, unlike Germany, which has repeatedly acknowledged its responsibility for the Holocaust. Emperor Hirohito was reportedly prevented from expressing regret in 1952, but his son, Emperor Akhihito, has expressed 'deep remorse.' The lack of a formal apology from Japan affects personal sentiments of those affected by the war and hinders international relations, particularly with South Korea, which recently terminated an intelligence sharing pact with Japan over unresolved war crime compensations. Controversies such as Japanese leaders' visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors war criminals, exacerbate the situation. The issue receives less attention in the West, where the focus is more on the European theater of the war.

Gibraltar and Hong Kong, both former British territories, have had divergent post-colonial experiences due to differing political circumstances and decisions. Gibraltar remains under British sovereignty following a 1967 referendum, while Hong Kong was transferred to China in 1997 without a similar referendum. The article explores the historical context, including the Treaty of Utrecht, the Spanish claim to Gibraltar, and the Sino-British Joint Declaration, highlighting the geopolitical and diplomatic factors that influenced the outcomes for both territories.

The ongoing Hong Kong protests require representation for meaningful dialogue to occur, as stated by the EU and Canada. Protesters have five key demands, including the withdrawal of the extradition bill and universal suffrage. The Hong Kong government is a clear stakeholder, but there is no current representative body for the protesters. International responses have varied, with China rejecting foreign involvement and the US President suggesting direct talks between China's President and protesters. The article emphasizes the need for identifying protest representatives to initiate reconciliation.

The article discusses the historical and contemporary political involvement of Hong Kong's triads, highlighting their role in the Yuen Long attacks against anti-government protesters. It traces the evolution of triad societies from political organizations during the Qing dynasty to business-savvy entities with occasional political engagements. The piece underscores public outrage over alleged government and police collusion with triads, emphasizing the dangerous influence these groups wield in Hong Kong society.

The article discusses the influence of British colonial capitalism on Hong Kong's development, highlighting how laissez-faire policies and the pursuit of wealth shaped the city's work ethic and values. Success stories of self-made tycoons like Kwok Acheong and Li Ka-shing are contrasted with the challenges faced by ordinary citizens, including a high-pressure education system, work-related depression, and inaccessible healthcare. The resistance to allowing overseas-trained doctors and the demolition of heritage buildings for economic development are criticized. The author, Justin Bong-Kwan, a barrister and freelance writer, calls for reflection on the meaning of 'Hongkongness' beyond the colonial past.

The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal's decision in HKSAR v Luk Kin Peter Joseph clarified the definition of 'agent' under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, impacting the interpretation of fiduciary relationships and duties to disclose information under section 3 of the UK's Fraud Act 2006. The case involved directors of a subsidiary company who were found to have fiduciary duties towards the principal company, leading to convictions for bribery and conspiracy to commit an offence under the POBO. The ruling suggests that fiduciary relationships may arise in situations beyond traditional definitions, which has implications for legal practitioners in Hong Kong and potentially in the UK.