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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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consider whether the 3-tier classification system should be introduced to monitor the concerts so that grey areas in law will not be exploited by the organisers.
I think the Government and the Council may consider a number of monitoring options so as to keep pace with the rapid development of the vocal concert industry. First of all, I have to emphasize that these measures do not serve to impose restrictions on the artistic creation of the entertainment industry, but only seek to protect the young people from being influenced by the undesirable ideology through proper measures. I would like to make the following suggestions: Firstly, the Government should consider whether the jurisdiction of the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority should be extended to cover vocal concerts so as to monitor its content to see whether there is any pornographic or indecent element. Secondly, a review be made to see whether the assessment standard employed in the film classification system can be applied to the concerts. It is hoped that the organisers, who hire the venues for the presentation of vocal concerts, will be required to classify the concerts along guidelines similar to the system, so that in future such classification may be shown on the relevant publicity materials and tickets for the information of members of the public who buy the tickets. Thirdly, the Council should set up a complaints hotline whereby the public may have a channel to voice their complaints or views on the contents of the pop concerts and to enhance their supervision over the concerts. After the ‘Leslie CHEUNG Incident’ has drawn comments and criticism from the public and the mass media, it seems that the organisers have rectified part of the contents of the performances which are considered to be daring. Therefore, the setting up of a complaints mechanism can increase the number of channels for the public to voice their views. I think this will have the desired monitoring or deterrent effect.
Mr. Chairman, I put forward the above suggestions because I am concerned about the development of popular culture in Hong Kong. I hope the Hong Kong vocal concert industry can have more space for development, provide a variety of presentations which cater for the needs of different age groups and further develop its market in a healthy direction. Therefore, apart from ensuring that the contents of vocal concerts cater for the needs of different age groups, the Government and the Council should respond appropriately to the change of society so as to cope with and monitor its new trend and rapid development, and protect the rights of the public. The Council should build more ideal performing venues as soon as possible in order to cope with the increasing demand arising from the existing or future development of the vocal concert industry and to further develop the Hong Kong entertainment industry. With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I support your motion.
MR. JOSEPH Lai Chi-keung (in Cantonese):-
I Love a Fully-elected Urban Council
Page 353 of 498
Page 353 of 498