Nate Thayer, renowned for his daring journalism and the last Western correspondent to interview Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, has died at 62. Thayer's career was marked by his deep connections to Asia, his investigative prowess, and his adventurous spirit. He gained significant recognition for his 1997 interview with Pol Pot, which revealed the leader's lack of remorse for his genocidal regime. Thayer's work extended to various regions and topics, including far-right movements in the U.S. Despite his professional success, he faced financial difficulties later in life, remaining principled and uncompromising until the end.

Nate Thayer, a renowned investigative reporter known for his interview with Cambodian leader Pol Pot, has passed away. Thayer's career was marked by his deep expertise in Asian affairs, stemming from a childhood spent in Taiwan and his father's diplomatic work. He contributed to various publications and was recognized for his bravery and investigative skills. Thayer's most notable achievement was securing an interview with Pol Pot in 1997, which won him several awards. Despite his professional success, Thayer faced financial difficulties later in life, leading to a crowdfunding campaign to support him. His life was characterized by a commitment to principle and a desire to understand the perspectives of those he reported on, including extremist groups.

Hong Kong's substantial fiscal reserves, amounting to nearly HK$2 trillion, should be utilized to benefit its citizens. Former officials and experts argue that the reserves are excessively large and should be spent on addressing the city's pressing issues, such as housing, education, and social welfare. Criticism is directed at former financial secretary John Tsang for not effectively using the reserves, contributing to economic inequality. The article emphasizes the need for strategic spending to support infrastructure projects and social programs, particularly for the aging population.

Hong Kong's substantial fiscal reserves, amounting to nearly HK$2 trillion, should be utilized to address the city's pressing issues, according to various experts. Former financial secretary Sir Hamish Macleod's 'golden rule' of maintaining 18 months' worth of spending in reserves is deemed excessive by figures like Mike Rowse and Allan Zeman. They argue that the reserves should be invested in land acquisition, education, and creative industries to benefit the public. Criticism is directed at former financial secretary John Tsang for his conservative fiscal policies, which are seen as contributing to economic inequality. The article also highlights the need for increased social spending, particularly for the aging population, and calls for a more balanced approach to managing the city's finances.

A Beijing-backed panel is set to select Hong Kong's next leader amid ongoing political unrest and uncertainty. The leading candidate, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, is widely believed to be Beijing's preferred choice, despite negative poll ratings. Other candidates include John Tsang Chun-hwa, who lacks support from pro-government factions, and Woo Kwok-hing, a retired judge with no government experience. The election process, controlled by a small committee, has been criticized for lacking genuine democratic elements. Beijing's influence and pressure on the election committee are evident, with significant implications for Hong Kong's political future.

Hong Kong's leadership has faced continuous controversy since its return to China in 1997, with the upcoming chief executive election marred by the trial of former leader Donald Tsang on corruption charges. Tsang's trial coincides with the resignation of Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, who is now running for chief executive. The election, dominated by a Beijing-appointed committee, is set for March. Lam's candidacy is already controversial due to a secret plan involving a museum housing artifacts from Beijing's Palace Museum. Other candidates include judge Woo Kwok-hing and legislator Regina Ip, with former financial secretary John Tsang also a potential candidate. The current chief executive, C.Y. Leung, is not seeking re-election amid unpopularity and allegations involving a payment from Australian firm UGL. Anson Chan, a former chief secretary, calls for honesty and transparency in the next chief executive, criticizing the non-transparent process surrounding the museum project.

The Hong Kong government failed in its attempt to imprison three prominent pro-democracy students, Joshua Wong, Alex Chow, and Nathan Law, who were instead sentenced to community service. Magistrate June Cheung Tin-ngan rejected the government's request for jail time, citing a lack of new evidence. The administration of Chief Executive C.Y. Leung, which had taken a hard line against the Umbrella Movement, was dissatisfied with the lenient punishment. Legal experts suggested that the government's actions might be influenced by pressure from Beijing. The students expressed gratitude for the judiciary's independence and reflected on the support for civil disobedience in Hong Kong.

Thousands of Hong Kong residents are expected to participate in an annual protest march against Chief Executive CY Leung and Beijing's influence. The march, led by Lam Wing-kee and other pro-democracy figures, aims to prevent Leung from securing a second term and to protest the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy, highlighted by the case of detained booksellers. The protest also precedes legislative elections featuring new parties like Demosisto, led by Joshua Wong and Nathan Law. Public sentiment is increasingly negative towards Leung, with significant political implications for the upcoming elections.

Thousands of Hong Kong residents are expected to participate in an annual protest march, expressing dissatisfaction with Chief Executive CY Leung and Beijing's influence. The march, led by Lam Wing-kee and other pro-democracy figures, aims to prevent Leung's re-election and highlight the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy, especially in light of the booksellers' case. The protest also precedes legislative elections featuring new parties like Demosisto, led by Joshua Wong and Nathan Law, who emphasize the importance of protecting freedoms and personal security.