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we actually this is a territory-wide problem. That is the whole functioning of the society which is affected by triad problem. Therefore, I think in the report itself, we should abide by one major principle and that is to improve or to tackle a social problem. We cannot rely on the power and effort of one party, I think we need support of the citizens under strict and fair laws and also in practice should rehabilitate these ex-offenders so that we can prevent further offences to be committed by them and I think education for the prevention of committing offences is important. Also we must admit that the triad problem is not only a Hong Kong problem and it is a worldwide problem. No matter in South East Asia or other countries in the world, there are some other organizations, it is just that the name is different. Has the authority considered measures taken by other countries to tackle these offenders? I think it is worth for our consideration. Learning from these countries, I think in this connection, we cannot only rely on legislation we must keep civil liberty and also strengthen the sense of belonging of members of the public, because the start of the triad all rose because of a lack of sense of belonging to the rulers of the society. Therefore, it has given rise to triads and we must tackle the problem at this root and that is to give members of the public a clear sense of civic mindedness and sense of belonging. I would also propose here that for improvement sake, as Mr. Joseph CHAN has said, we should preserve our tradition of the rule of law to protect our civil liberty of members of the public, so that members of the public would not be disturbed or interfered in their lives because of an abuse of power by law enforcement agents. I would like to emphasize here, we must also pay attention to a fact that is how we should increase members of the public understanding of every kind of improvement in Hong Kong.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN (in English):—Let's adjourn for five minutes-4.00 p.m., the first speaker after the adjournment will be Mrs. Nellie FONG.
CHAIRMAN (in English): The meeting is now resumed 4.05 p.m.
(Mr. Stephen LAC and Mr. Frederick K. K. FUNG left the meeting after the recess.)
MRS. NELLIE FONG (in English):—We are all concerned about triad activities. This concern is amplified when we realize that triad activities have infiltrated into all walks of life, into the schools, hawkers, billiard saloons etc. Infiltration of triads into schools is most serious since youths are the future of Hong Kong and if they are affected, the future of law and order is threatened.
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The government has commissioned a study on options for changes in the law and in the administration of the law to counter triad problems. In this respect, I think the government is hung up and muddled on technicalities because the document does not deal with the heart of the problem. The document has been widely discussed but we are side tracking because discussions were centered around the degree of infringement of civil rights.
Many of us can still remember that not so long ago Hong Kong was plagued with corruption and this was brought under control by the formation of the ICAC. No one at that time questioned whether our rights would be infringed. What we citizens want is that the government recognizes the problem and handles it.
To discuss openly how to contain triads is unwise. Members of triads are listening and will certainly seek ways to circumvent any proposed scheme or proposed legislation.
As a citizen, I would like to see more action than talk. If ICAC has worked, to set up something similar to handle triads may work too. I urge the government to set up an independent commission against organized crime and give it the authority and power to do what is necessary. Any additional money that has to be spent on organizing such a commission would be dollars worth spending and I am the first one to support it. The commission can then devise ways to tackle triad problems. Working with teachers and head-masters of schools should be a priority item. It can also work with the Urban Council on triad infiltration into hawking, markets, abattoirs, working with the Transport Department on triad infiltration into transport activities etc.
In summary, I would call on the government to discontinue discussion on the document because the document does not deal with the heart of the matter. I would like to see expedient efforts in forming an independent commission against organized crime as we have so successfully done so against corruption.
Sir, I support the motion.
Mr. Tong Kam-BIU (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, the government recently released a discussion document on options to counter the triad problem, formulating a series of stringent policies to fight the triads. The document recommends heavier penalties, greater powers for the police to prosecute, restriction on discharged triad members from entering certain public places or carrying pagers etc. during the period they are put under supervision. The document also proposes to legalize more illegal gambling to hit the triads on the purse.
Opinions presented by various sectors after the release of the document are mostly in support of the spirit of the Document. I myself support the proposal of amending the law to mete out heavy penalties to the triad elements. The amendment to the law may cause the public some inconvenience, but we cannot overlook the seriousness of triad menace. In fact, the triad elements have already seriously jeopardized social peace. Apart from harbouring vice business, illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and armed robbery, triad activities have also threatened the daily life of the middle and lower classes. For example, hawkers, workers, taxi or van drivers, construction site workers and public housing estate residents have all directly or indirectly suffered from triad extortion and intimidation.