DotDotWeekly | HK news highlights from Dec. 2 to 6

Welcome to DotDotWeekly. Every Friday, we take you on a journey through the latest local news and captivating stories from DotDotNews this week.

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Lam Sai-hung, Kevin Yeung removed as ministers: State Council

China's State Council announced the appointment and removal of several officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Dec. 5.

Mable Chan was appointed Secretary for Transport and Logistics, replacing Lam Sai-hung.

Rosanna Law was appointed Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, replacing Kevin Yeung.

The decision was made in line with the HKSAR Basic Law and based on the nomination and suggestion of HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, according to an official statement.

Preliminary route plan of South Island Line (West Section) revealed

The Transport and Logistics Bureau submitted documents to the Legislative Council on Dec. 2, indicating that due to the undulating terrain along the alignment of the South Island Line (West Section), after discussion, it has been confirmed that the implementation of Smart and Green Mass Transit System is a feasible alternative to the original heavy rail proposal.

The proposed South Island Line (West Section) has a preliminary alignment of approximately 7.5 kilometers, providing convenient transport services for the western and southern regions of Hong Kong Island, facilitating access for residents to Wong Chuk Hang Station on the MTR South Island Line and HKU Station on the Island Line

The proposed South Island Line (West Section) will form a circular network with the South Island Line (East Section) and the Island Line. Once the South Island Line (West Section) is operational, the estimated travel time from Wong Chuk Hang to the University of Hong Kong is approximately 20 minutes.

Passengers trapped after Hong Kong Observation Wheel experiences malfunction

In the afternoon of Dec. 5, the police received a report that the Hong Kong Observation Wheel in Central was suspected of malfunctioning, with hundreds of people trapped. Two fire trucks arrived on the scene to assist.

HK undergoing economic restructuring unless reforms carried out, CE says

In an exclusive interview with the media on Dec. 4, Chief Executive John Lee said that Hong Kong is undergoing economic restructuring, with changes in tourists' consumption habits and the rapid progress of many mainland cities, Hong Kong will fall behind if it does not reform.

Lee said, Hong Kong's previous successful elements, in the current environment, may no longer be successful, the Mainland has the advantage of the system.

As for the government's measures to grab talent, Lee said that Hong Kong used to use the words "attract" or "import" talents in the past, but now it has changed to "grab", which is to change the culture and represent the positive and proactive attack, emphasizing that the government is very comprehensive to grab talents.