17 '87 16:08 TIBCOOU) HK GOVT
Över the many years I have been
closely
associated with the media in Hong Kong, I have always believed, and will continue to believe, that they have an important role to play as watchdogs in our community. But the tremendous influence they exert over the public carries with it the responsibility to present arguments in a fair and balanced way, Similarly, it is for the government to exercise its powers in a responsible way. The track record of this government can give no cause for concern in this regard.
Sir, I come now to what I believe to be the nub of the matter and the aspect of this amendment which has caused most concern. Despite all that has been written about the immediate and damaging effect of introducing this legislation, I really do not believe that the media or the people of Hong Kong foresee the prospect of this Government making use of it to inhibit personal freedom. Many members of the media have indeed made this point to me specifically, Their real fears have been neatly described by the Vice-Chairman of the Newspaper Society. "This bill will be the perfect weapon in time, should the authorities use it to gag the press." So at the heart of their problem appears to be the thought that a future Government of this place could use this bill in 0 repressive and authoritarian way. I find this argument difficult to follow on three grounds.
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P.1