<
(c)
Triads
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81.
In 1986 the Hong Kong overnment launched a new initiative to
organised crime in the territory and, in particular, the
menace posed by triad societies. A discussion document entitled
combat
+
"Options for Changes in the Law and in the Administration of the Law
to counter the riad Problem" was published in April and the public
reaction to
its proposals revealed a widespread demand, within the
community, for sustained and determined action against triads. In
the coming months. the Hong Kong Government intends to take steps to implement those measures which received widespread public support.
These include better protection for witnesses; one-way viewers for
identification parades; thorough examination of the need for new
laws, to combat organised crime along the lines of those now
obtaining in the United States
of America; stricter penalties for
illegal gambling, vice and drug
and drug offences; and more extensive public
education directed at young people to warn them of the evils of
triads. For rehabilitation of triad offenders a triad renunciation
scheme will be introduced. Proposals in the document on which there
was less of a public consensus including proposals for a system of
Police supervision of certain offenders and the placing of limits on
activities of convicted triad members will be further considered
by the Hong Kong overnment, in the light of the public comments
received, before amendments are made to the law.
XIII. CONCLUSION
82.
Kong.
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1986 has been a year of further steady
The
flourishing.
economy
local and overseas,
industry.
The
>
progress for Hong
led by a strong export performance, is
Unemployment and inflation have remained low and there
has been a return to a balanced budget. Investor confidence, both
remains good, particularly in the manufacturing
Sino-British Joint Liaison Group and the Land
Commission have worked steadily and productively and have
considerable practical achievements to their credit. Steps towards
more representative government taken in 1985 have been consolidated
during 1986. 1987 will be an important year in which further steps
n the process of Hong Kong's political development will considered by the people of Hong Kong.
be
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