A Hypothetical Case for a Liberal Hong Kong and a Liberal China

Since the Self-Strengthening Movement and constitutional reforms in the late Qing Dynasty, and all the way to the First Republic (the Republic of China) and the Second Republic (the People's Republic of China), the main obstacle to China's modern political system has been the failure to effectively China's latest version of the constitution, drafted in the 1980s, contains outdated provisions and clauses that restrict freedoms and weaken the separation of powers, aiming to provide modern China with a new constitution suitable for a free China. The drafting process of the new constitution and it1) A constitutional convention was convened, composed of representatives from all provinces and municipalities of China. Specifically, each province and municipality was determined based on its population ratio, with a total of 243 representatives reviewing and rewriting the constitution article by 2) The new constitution should establish the principles of freedom, separation of powers and a democratic system with Chinese characteristics.3) The executive branch (State Council) should be non-partisan, with all personnel, including the prime minister and deputy prime minister, not affiliated with any political party.4) The Prime Minister is elected by agreement among the four Deputy Prime Ministers, who in turn appoint his successor as Deputy Prime Minister.5) The National People's Congress is composed of 243 representatives elected by each province and municipality, who are selected from among county and village representatives, who are in turn elected by local people. The allocation of the National People's Congress will be determined by the populati6) The 243 deputies in the National People's Congress will elect a chairman to preside over the agenda of the National People's Congress and the order of reviewing bills.7) The current CPPCC will be incorporated into the legislative system and elected by proportional representation from all walks of life.8) A representative can be a member of both the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and can also belong to both the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference respectively.9) Each CPPCC representative elects a CPPCC chairman who is responsible for deciding the order in which bills are submitted to the NPC.10) The legislative process begins with the CPPCC formulating policies, which are then put to a vote by the National People's Congress. Two agencies11) The judiciary is headed by the president, whose main responsibility is to ensure the correct functioning of the constitution, a new one drafted by the National People's Congress.12) The president and five other chief justices make up the Constitutional Court, which is responsible for conducting judicial review of policies implemented by the State Council or laws passed by the National People's Congress. When there is a 3-3 tie in a judicial review case, the president has th13) The president can take the initiative to sue the legislature or the State Council for unconstitutionality, and have the case heard by the Constitutional Court.14) The President is the head of the three branches of government (the President of the Judiciary, the Prime Minister of the Executive and the Chairman of the Legislature) and is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.15) The military is loyal to the constitution and is led by the president of the judicial branch.16) The executive and judicial systems, including the president, strictly maintain political neutrality. The president is elected through consultation among the six chief justices and will select his successor as chief justice.17) Since the legislature is formed through democratic voting, in principle, laws enacted by the elected legislature can be implemented as long as they do not violate the constitution (Legislative supremacy). At the same time, the procedure for amending the Constitution must first be proposed by the18) The new China will initially consist of five autonomous regions, two special administrative regions, four municipalities directly under the Central Government, and 23 provinces. Among them, five autonomous regions each voted to maintain the status quo or become special administrative regions. 1919) Taiwan should also hold a vote to choose to maintain the status quo or to join China and become a special administrative region.20) Each special administrative region is also required to formulate its own basic law to clarify the relationship between the region and the central government.21) One or two official languages ​​for each SAR will be chosen by each SAR individually.22) In addition to military and diplomatic powers, the SAR has its own system including legislative, executive, and judicial powers. The electoral system of each special administrative region is purely an internal affair of each special administrative region.23) Each SAR has its own Basic Law, which is negotiated between the central government and the elected representatives of each SAR.The new constitution establishes the principle of separation of powers and tilts more power towards the judiciary, as China's past failures were largely a failure in the practice of the rule of law. By placing the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces in the judiciary, it is hoped thaIn Hong Kong, the key changes to the Basic Law are as follows:1) The Basic Law is written in English and Traditional Chinese, the two official languages ​​of Hong Kong. In the event of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese versions, the English version shall prevail.2) To ensure that the NPC’s interpretation of laws is limited to diplomatic and military matters, and that only judges of the Court of Final Appeal can petition the NPC for interpretation of laws. Neither the NPC nor the executive and legislative bodies of Hong Kong can petition the NPC for interpre3) Like constitutions around the world, the Basic Law is only used to limit and interpret government power. There is no possibility that citizens or any legal person may violate the Basic Law.

Seven Policies For Government to Consider---6.Porn Tax

Norman Doidge, a psychiatrist and author known for his work on neuroplasticity, has discussed pornography in the context of brain rewiring. In The Brain That Changes Itself, he explains how excessive porn consumption can alter neural pathways, reinforcing compulsive behaviors and changing sexual preHis perspective aligns with broader concerns about the impact of porn on mental health, dopamine regulation, and behavioral addiction.Further to above, porn and masturbation reduce the birth rate as it is a substitute for actual sex.With the harmful effect of porn, I put it in the same category of cigarette and alcohol. Since we impose high taxes on the two to discourage people from consuming them, why not on porn, which is as harmful as the two?The main obstacle is how to collect such tax. I have no good personal proposal yet on how to collect but will continue searching. Deep Seek also provides several ways to collect porn tax, including referencing to sales tax, making use of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and Mandatory licensing fee*Green part is generated by Deep Seek

Seven Policies For Government to Consider--- 3. Building more Water Desalination Plants

First I do a Deepseak of the percentage share of each origin of water in Hong Kong.In Hong Kong, the water supply comes from three main sources: local yield, the Dongjiang (East River) from Guangdong Province, and desalinated water. Here's a general breakdown of their percentage shares:Dongjiang (East River) Water: The majority of Hong Kong's water supply, approximately 70-80%, comes from the Dongjiang in Guangdong Province. This is the primary source due to Hong Kong's limited local water resources.Local Yield: Local water sources, including rainfall collected in reservoirs, account for about 20-30% of the total supply. However, this percentage can vary significantly depending on rainfall patterns.Desalinated Water: Desalination contributes a small but growing share, currently around 1-2%, as part of Hong Kong's efforts to diversify its water sources and enhance water security. The Tseung Kwan O Desalination Plant, commissioned in recent years, is expected to increase this share over time.These percentages can fluctuate based on factors such as rainfall, water demand, and infrastructure.The percentage share of Water desalination plant is obviously small and local yielded sources vary significant depending on rainfall pattern. Therefore the majority of Hong Kong’s water supply comes from Dongjiang (East River) water from Mainland China. This is unsustainable for two reasons: first, For the specific implementation such as the location of more desalination water plants is pending more information. Preliminarily, there are to be built in Lantau Island, outlying islands such as Cheung Chua or Lamma Island, and Tseung Kwan O (for expansion). Among the options, I favoring expanding *The green part is generated by Deepseek.

Seven Policies For Government to Consider--- 7.Reclamation that Links up Island East and Kowloon East

我認為維多利亞港填海比大嶼山或北都會填海更有價值。我建議連接港島東和九龍東。這不會對位於九龍西的貨櫃碼頭造成乾擾。我將未來在港島東和九龍東填海造地的土地稱為維多利亞城。維多利亞城的價值遠高於北都會或一些離島，因為它更接近香港中部，更容易成為我們的第三個中央商務區。此外，填海工程過程也更容易，因為填海工程只是從兩側擴大現有土地，而大嶼山和離島的填海工程大部分都是從無到有填海而成。該計畫面臨的最大障礙是《港口保護條例》和環保組織的反對聲音。前者可在立法會親政府的立場下輕鬆調整，以適應填海工程；如果政府堅持填海工程，立法會很可能會通過一項法律來取代現行的《保護港口條例》。至於後者，我相信已經存在更環保的回收方法。政府可以參考新加坡的填海過程，應該有對環境友善的填海方法。

Seven Policies For Government to Consider--- 5.Alignment of minimum wage of Foreign Domestic Helpers and Local Workers

Racial Discrimination and Modern SlaveryThe giant gap between foreign domestic helpers (FDH) and local workers present a doubtful arrangement and impair Hong Kong’s image as an international financial center. While FDH received a minimum wage of close to HKD5000/month (i.e. slightly below HKD14/hour given a typical 12-hour-work-day and 28I propose that in principle, FDH’s minimum wage should be in line with the prevailing wage of the local worker at the time. But as it is a rather progressive policy, I propose achieving the goal by phases.*Adjustable as local minimum wage changesThis should remedy the racial discrimination against Filipino and Indonesian FDH. However there are still a few questions to the policy including whether it will hurt the FDH instead of helping them.Will the Policy End Up Hurting FDH?I can draw the reference to the previous execution of minimum wage. Before execution, many experts, economist and policy makers, were worried that it will hurt employment and hence lead to higher unemployment rate. Practice after the imposition of minimum wage, show that unemployment rate was unaffeI am also aware that as of now the FDH receive many perks such that its whole compensation is quite far above its prevailing minimum wage. I suggest that all the perks should be merged to the new FDH’s minimum wage starting 2029. This will give FDH freedom to choose the way they want to spend their Another issue that may end up hurting the FDH is demand elasticity. First of all, though FDH competes with local workers, I believe they are of two different markets. The former stand-by almost 6/24, even after the normal working hours of about 12 hours; the latter serves only part-time, at a hourlySo it leads to a simple elasticity of demand problem. I believe the demand for FDH is inelastic because it is hard to find substitute for 1) FDH market is separate to local market as mentioned above; and 2) FDH helps the middle class family by letting parents to work in their respective jobs , makinLastly, Some Political ImplicationsThe increased wages give more power to Hong Kong, and hence China, over the countries the FDHs come from, most notably the Philippines. In a world where China is engaging with the Philippines on the South Sea sovereignty, the heightened income from Hong Kong (China) to Philippines adds to the chips

Seven Policies For Government to Consider--- 4. Legalization of Gay Marriage

Case Study of Taiwan’s Experience of Legalized Gay MarriageAs of today, Taiwan is the only Asian country that has legalized gay marriage (since 2019). The enhanced human rights and social inclusion alone raise the image of Taiwan among Western countries. Reputation aside, legalization of gay marriage also bring about moderate economic benefit to Taiwan. FirHong Kong CaseWhile the effect of legalized gay marriage has largely been beneficial to Hong Kong, there are a few social and political differences between Hong Kong and Taiwan, that makes Hong Kong case significantly different from Taiwan. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, legalized gay marriage will bring morAs mentioned, the harms are social and political. Socially, Hong Kong’s society is much closed about same-sex love, let alone same-sex marriage. Same sex which means the society is not ready for legalized marriage yet. Homosexuality is still a taboo in Hong Kong, which means the society is not readyBut as mentioned above, we still have faith that gay marriage is workable in Hong Kong. First and foremost, aside from benefiting from gay marriage tourism, legalization of gay marriage will draw much more Mainland and international talents that tend to stay longer in Hong Kong as they can more easiSecond, because the gain outlast the coast, the government should roll out more propaganda on promoting equality between heterosexuality and homosexuality. Though LGBT right is largely acknowledged in jobs from the Government or western firms, SMEs mostly still do not have such clause and may discri 

Resolving Government’s Structural Deficit––– 2. Imposition of Inheritance Tax to Widen Tax Base

Background and IntroductionChina overhauled its policy of pegging RMB to USD in 2005, which makes RMB peg to a basket of currencies according to trade share. However, the majority of weighting still goes to USD. It means the valuation of RMB is mostly determined by movement in USD, which raises the question of over-reliance oBefore we get into the idea of pegging RMB with a Basket of Commodities, we should assess the most intuitive solution, which is the de-peg everything and make the RMB a fiat currency just like the USD or Euro. The fiat currencies have several problems that make it an inferior alternative to pegging Hence, should the Chinese government intend to lift the capital flow restriction or reduce the reliance on USD, we need to find alternatives to the fiat money choice. And pegging RMB with a basket of commodities, a creative and sensible proposition by Steven N.S. Cheung, is worth considering.ImplementationFirst, choose a basket of 20-40 commodities such as crude oil, corn, grain, soybean, wheat, cotton, and more. Second, make each individual commodities chosen a RMB-denominated futures market. Third, make an index of commodities weighed by the trading value of each commodities in the beginning of a yAdvantages of Pegging RMB with a Basket of Commodities1.The government does not need to hold the basket of commodities physically (unlike other pegs like Hong Kong’s peg to USD, which needs to accumulate a USD currency reserve to defend the peg), as trading on the futures market is sufficient in defending the peg.2.It releases the reliance on USD and other major currencies like Euro, JPY, and other G10 currencies. RMB can finally compete with the major currencies, mostly the USD. There is every chance that other smaller economy can peg with the RMB, since it has something concrete (commodities), unlike othe3.Interest rate will be fully determined by the market, as the government no longer needs it to implement monetary policies. As interest rate is an important price (of capital), handing it back to the market to determine will be the best practice. Fiat money needs to adjust the interest rate time t4.Foreign Reserve will no longer be needed. This means the close to USD3 trillion foreign reserve can be gradually sold in the market, releasing a huge amount of capital for the market or state-owned enterprises.5.China will be ready for lifting the capital inflow and outflow restriction, as the peg to a basket of commodities is difficult to speculate or launch vicious campaign on. As the basket of commodities is denominated in denominated in RMB, which means China can simply print money to finance the defRole of Hong Kong and CNHAs such reform in RMB or CNY markets are too risky and large to implement. It is best to experiment the policy with a smaller offshore RMB currencies Therefore, It is where Hong Kong can step in as the largest trading center of the offshore RMB currency of CNH. The Central Government can simply moniIt will be a showcase of how Hong Kong can help China’s development under One-Country- Two- Systems.

Seven Policies For Government to Consider--- 1a. Tackle Structural Deficit and Widen Tax Base through Inheritance Tax

Background and IntroductionGovernment has balance deficit for 3 straight year by now, with an accumulation of around HKD310 billion deficit. While the government and Financial Secretary project the deficit as short-term, but there is every possibility that the deficit will become structural.And unlike large economy like the US and China, which can monetized their debt, Hong Kong as a small and completely open economy cannot do the same or raise debt indefinitely, because of three restriction. Firstly the government has to maintain the Linked Exchange Rate System, which means our monetaThe crust of the long-term or structural problem is the Government’s narrow tax base. The government has talked about widening tax base for two decades by now. It comes up with some proposed policies such as sales tax, but all of them are considered complicating the tax code and are regressive in naFinancial Secretary Paul Chan has stipulated three criteria for widening the tax base or raising the revenue while decreasing the expenditure: 1) It must not interfere with the living of the mass. 2) The rich or the able should pay more for the poor or the not able, which implies that users pay for We believe that a resumption of inheritance tax (gift tax), which was abolished in 2006 to simplify the tax code, should be recovered. It broaden the tax base and violate the least of the tri-criteria. First it affects the mass public the least since it targets at the richest population in Hong KongI note that the government is rolling out other more petty measures to reduce expenditure and raise revenue. Most of such measures involve cutting welfare spending (thus affecting the masses) or increasing service fee (again affecting the masses), let alone the fact that they are petty measures thatImplementation: The Public-Private Partnership and Positive FeedbackI suggest the government begins the tax bracket from estates of HKD300million onwards as the definition of middle class is HKD1million to HKD300million (excluding the self-occupied property) so that it only aims at the rich class and does not add burden to the middle class or the lower class. The suAsset Values (HKD)Tax PercentageEstimated Number of People in this Bracket*300milllion 15%1billion 20%5billion 25%10billion 30%*pending government statistics on the wealth distribution of Hong KongMost importantly, there is a tax allowance of up to HKD50million given to the inheritance tax payer if they set a pro bono organization (like the Tung Wah Group) or foundation (like the Our Hong Kong Foundation). It will reduce government expenditure on welfare in the long-run and almost permanentlyIn summary, such tax allowance is a form of public-private partnership that the government has been advocating for a decade now. It simply transmit the government expenditure on welfare and related civil servant to the private sector (pro bono organization), which is kind of the relics of “smaller g

Seven Policies For Government to Consider--- 1b. Luxury Goods Tax as Short Term Deficit Relief

The inheritance/gift tax discussed in the last article mentioned deal with government structural and long-term deficit. For short term deficit relief, I believe a luxury goods tax will lessen part of the deficit through raising government revenue and widening the tax base.We suggest, preliminarily, an 8% blanket tax for luxury goods of over HKD10K. Compared to the sales tax, which was hotly debated in the previous round of budget deficit during 1998-2004, luxury goods tax does not affect the mass public. It more likely affects tourist especially those from mainland. *Tax rate and tax bracket are pending more accurate statistics from internal government departments.

紅藥丸雜誌的來龍去脈(1)

紅藥丸雜誌的來龍去脈(2)