L
ROBAFD
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTIONS ON THE PRESS: PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE
While this is primarily a matter for the Hong Kong Government, we support the action they have taken.
The legislation passed by the Legislative Council on
11 March 1987 included the repeal of a number of stringent provisions of the Control of Publications Consolidation Ordinance. These had been part of the laws of Hong Kong for years, but had not prevented the Hong Kong media from being among the most free and outspoken in Asia. In reviewing this legislation and deciding upon these repeals, the Hong Kong Government considered that in such a small and densely-populated place as Hong Kong, it was nevertheless necessary to retain some power to take action against anyone publishing false news that might threaten public order. To make it clear that this was the purpose of the provision, and that it was not intended as a limitation of the freedom of the press, that power was transferred from the Control of Publications Ordinance to the Public Order Ordinance. The provision is, therefore, in no sense a
new one.
The
It is evident to anyone who reads the Hong Kong press that they have in no way been inhibited by the passing of the Ordinance. media are as free and as outspoken in their comment as ever.
REVIEW
The Hong Kong Government have given their assurances that they will carefully monitor the situation and will review this provision
in the light of experience.
RESTRICTED