2.13.
For now, I would say only that in any discussion of Hong Kong's lifestyle and the media, the following are among the subjects which could be on the agenda for discussion: The role of free media as a forum for national debate; self-censorship; investigative reporting; the role of the law in circumscribing press freedom; conflicts and tensions between government and the media; journalistic ethics and political imperatives; and the press as "opposition" in a limited democracy. The choice of these topics has been prompted by a number of thoughts. I will cite three: -
(a) On the question of official secrecy, the Hong Kong Journalists
Association has suggested that:-
(b)
(c)
"There should be a total re-think on the concept of official
secrecy in Hong Kong. In line with the government's proposed open policy, we urge the government to enact a freedom of information ordinance, giving emphasis to access [to]
official information, instead of denial of access, as is the
case now.
Mr. Anthony Polsky of the Hong Kong Standard has argued that:-
"This might be a good time for government, the Hong Kong
Journalists Association and other interested and qualified parties to consider setting up a discrete organisation like a press committee, to meet on a
a regular basis to discuss matters of identifiable concern.
Mr. Shane Green in the South China Morning Post has written that:-
"Of
concern is the increased surveillance of local journalists by the NCNA, which has apparently begun to classify reporters on a pro or against basis. The extreme category, according to a recent report in the Far Eastern Economic Review, are those journalists who should be attacked or isolated.
11
For obvious reasons, I view the latter possibility with disgust.
Education and "Lifestyle"
An issue of educational policy is alleged to result in self-censorship too. I have not checked personally the facts below, and this is one reason why at this stage this paper should be considered as a discussion document rather than as a public text, but I am quoting from an acknowledged source. Education policy presents many issues relevant to 1997. One problem, however, is central to others: the manner in which the British Hong Kong Government defines its transitional role. In this regard, it appears that it may encourage censorship of textbooks so as to avoid upsetting Beijing. It has been alleged that: -