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"The two sovereign states are committed to ensure the full and faithful implementation of the Joint Declaration, and much as already been achieved."
Before attending the luncheon, Mr Tsang visited the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange and had a very useful discussion with its Executive Chairman, Dato' Nik Mohamed Din, and other senior officials. He also called on YB Dato' Ahmad Mohd Don, Governor of Bank Negara, the central bank of Malaysia.
Mr Tsang was leading a 62-member delegation to visit Kuala Lumpur. He will leave for Singapore this evening to begin the second leg of his "Building Strategic Partnership" visit to Southeast Asia.
End
Amendments to public entertainment regulations proposed
Amendment regulations which seek to improve the operation of the Places of Public Entertainment Regulations (PPER) will be published in the Gazette tomorrow (Friday).
A spokesman for the Recreation and Culture Branch said today (Thursday) that the purposes of the Places of Public Entertainment (Amendment) Regulation 1996 are to improve the operation of PPER and to implement the amendments made to the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (PPEO) in July 1995 which include limiting the power of the police and repealing the dual licensing system under PPEO.
"The two municipal councils, being the sole licensing authority to regulate the safety and hygiene of venues for public entertainment in their respective areas, will be able to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly service to applicants of places of public entertainment licences.
"Licensees will no longer be required to make separate applications to the Building Authority," the spokesman explained.
Other amendments include limiting the police power under PPER to maintaining peace and good order as prescribed in PPEO, removing any duplication with provisions in other existing legislation such as the Electricity Ordinance, and updating provisions which have become obsolete.