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Wednesday, November 1, 1972
HARSH CRIMES MUST BE CURBED BY SEVERE PENALTIES
The Hon. Wilfred Wong said today the combatting of crimes of murder
and robbery was still Hong Kong's top priority and he suggested the introduction
of legislative deterrents more in line with the eastern concept rather than
the western,
He said the eastern concept is simply that harsh crimes must be curbed
by severe penalties.
A recent sample survey among 500 people showed that 75 per cent
considered the streets in Hong Kong as unsafe to walk alone at night, he said.
Mr. Wong was speaking in the Legislative Council in support of motion to
thank the Governor for his address given last month at the opening of the Council's
new session.
He said most people would agree that the first requisite in a civilised
society is law and order.
In Hong Kong, he said, crime in the form of robbery by knife is becoming
a pattern for young thugs and he pointed out that crime, like a virus, is
contagious and spreads quickly unless contained.
"While the long term measures are legislative deterrents, education
and community involvement, immediate short-term measures to counter it are
urgently required," he said.
Mr. Wong said he has been told that many robberies are not reported,
and following his own investigations, he has concluded that only one out of five
are reported to the police because of fears of intimidation.
"I am