HONG KONG - The city's financial secretary has come under fire by some residents and lawmakers unhappy that the stirring budget would have the police receiving more funding and residents, including those living overseas, getting a HK$10,000 handout.
But several callers on Thursday questioned the initiative, saying it is unfair that people who have emigrated are also eligible. Mr Chan defended the move, saying the administrative procedure to identify people would complicate matters. During the debate, opposition lawmakers sank their teeth into one particular proposal - additional funding for the police force.
The total funding to be allocated to the police is HK$25.8 billion, up 25 per cent from the previous year. The police is expected to add a further 2,500 posts to their 35,000-strong force in the next financial year to"strengthen operational capability".