China Watch Blog

China Watch Blog draws its readers attention to a Hong Kong Standard article today (Apr 19) citing a prominent Heung Yee Kuk member as having admitted that a commercial leisure park he owns has unlawfully occupied a large swath of government land for 18 years without him paying a cent.

Lychee Valley

But Leung Fuk-yuen, a key figure in resistance to a government crackdown on illegal additions to village houses, was quoted by the Standard as saying that he was not directly involved as his brothers managed the park in Tai Tong Lychee Valley, which uses part of Tai Lam Country Park.

“But I’ll comply with whatever the government wants, such as removing unauthorized structures,” said the Standard report quoting Leung, who is chairman of Shap Pat Heung Rural Committee and a Yuen Long district councillor.

The report said that he would not say if he was aware he breached land laws when planting fruit trees and setting up toilets, storage containers, wooden sheds and animal shelters two decades ago.

According to government watchdog the Audit Commission, the leisure park occupies 12,400 square meters, with 4,670 of it government land.

Director of Audit Benjamin Tang Kwok-bun blames the Lands Department for lax enforcement and for failing to act on the case for 18 years.

The auditor wants a comprehensive review of the management of unleased and unallocated government land. For it was also found that 70 percent of the Lands Department’s 494 “urgent” control cases – that means they are a public hazard – exceeded a four-month resolution target. Four cases were even unresolved after more than 10 years.

Tang also criticized the penalties for unlawful occupation offenses, saying they were not tough enough for a deterrent effect. And a lack of regular checks by the Lands Department had allowed many cases to escape detection for many years, he added.

Word from the Lands Department was that its officials accept the criticisms and will “strive to effect policy changes” to resolve “serious issues about land control and unwarranted structures.”

But this is a case of just a slap on the wrist for officials who have been fed by taxpayers money for 18 years, without having done their job at all. Shouldn’t the Lands Department officials be held accountable?

China Watch Blog wishes to announce to readers that GCTL Insights Magazine Issue NO. 13 is out now and ready for download from our website.

GCTL Insights Magazine Issue No. 13

Glean our coverage of the Wines & Spirits industry in Hong Kong, and how it is about to take off.

Get our coverage of TOC Asia 2012, and also various other air and seafreight issues.

Read our Editor’s comments on opportunities that abound as a result of Hong Kong and Guangdong Province’s cooperation.

Also look out for our coverage of logistics and seafreight issues supplement in our next issue.

China Watch Blog has learnt that the mega-blockbuster Power of Focus (HCI) has been updated with new strategies for maintaining focus in the most turbulent of times and released in a special 10th Anniversary Edition.

More than 600,000 people around the world have been captivated by the simple, practical, and profound strategies contained in the original bestseller; now a decade later, authors Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Les Hewitt have created a new edition of this enduring classic. Now more than ever, the ability to focus is vital.

Les Hewitt and his co-authors have taken their bestseller and expanded upon it, including a personal look at the last ten years through their experienced eyes. Inspirational stories from ordinary people who have implemented The Power of Focus have been added to make an engaging read. Readers will also find insights on where to sharpen their focus, how to capitalize on the new currency in business, and a Reality Check questionnaire.

“True success in life is based on results, not theories,” co-author Les Hewitt says. “Specific focused action is a lot more important than words.” To make following through with focused action even easier, a free comprehensive workbook is included, containing simple Action Steps to maximize The Power of Focus in business and personal life.

The three authors have national name recognition, appearing on Oprah, CNN and Eye to Eye and featured in national magazines and newspapers including Entrepreneur, Success, Time and U.S. News & World Report. They are highly sought-after trainers and speakers who lead frequent keynotes and consult for multinational clients including AT&T, Campbell’s Soup, Johnson & Johnson, and Re/Max.

As an entrepreneur for more than 30 years, Les Hewitt understands the real world of business and the struggle and challenges associated with staying focused. His passion is helping business people achieve exceptional profits and productivity while enjoying an excellent balance between work and family. Les is in demand as a dynamic speaker and workshop leader at conventions, sales conferences and management retreats.

Originally from Northern Ireland, he now resides in Calgary with his wife and family.