Arts Development Council to ask examiners protect NSL
Culture and tourism minister Kevin Yeung confirmed on Saturday that the Arts Development Council will require art project application examiners to shoulder the responsibility to protect national security.  Media reports earlier this week said that relevant requirements would be included in the appointment terms for funding application examiners.  Speaking to reporters after attending a radio programme, Yeung said everyone has a responsibility to protect national security. "As far as I know, the Arts Development Council requires examiners to take responsibility for protecting national security when approving funding applications," Yeung said. "I don't see any reason why this would discourage people from becoming examiners. But of course, it's up to each individual to make their own choices," he added. When asked about concerns that themes such as sexual orientation may be affected, Yeung said sexual orientation topics are not directly related to national security. Separately, the tourism minister said says an incident last week, in which tourists endured long waiting times at the Kai Tak pier for public transport, had a negative impact on tourism services and the city's image. But Yeung said the authorities have taken prompt action and made improvements to address the situation. "The new measures or additional measures we put in work quite well. And you can see that the tourists are getting on the public transports or taxis very easily," he said. He said the relevant authorities will continue to monitor the situation and meet next week to plan for the arrival of bigger cruise ships.