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Wednesday, March 15, 1972
NEW LAWS NEEDED TO BETTER COMBAT CRIME
Emphasis On Individual Rights Detrimental To Public Well-Being
The Hon. Mrs. Ellen Li today urged the introduction of new laws
to bring into effect better control of law and order and control of other
less serious anti-social and illegal acts.
Speaking at the resumed Budget debate in the Legislative Council,
she said: "We tend to place more emphasis on individual freedom and rights
to the detriment of public well-being and social progress."
Violent crimes committed by young people, very often in broad
daylight, were witnessed by crowds of people who did not even give a voice,
much less lend a hand to help, she said.
"We blame the police for not being able to catch the robbers
and yet at the same time we resent a search for deadly weapons, and we
crucify him for wounding or killing a thug when the policeman tries to do
his duty," she pointed out.
There were also people who advised one another to carry $100 in
their pockets in readiness to appease prospective robbers in order to avoid
possible trouble, she added.
"This permissive attitude on the part of the public must change
to one of cooperation with the police if law enforcement is to be effective,
"I understand ....