33
Thursday, March 14, 1974
IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
The Director of Home Affairs, Mr. Eric Ho, today stressed the
importance of active public participation in community affairs.
Speaking at the luncheon of the Lion Club of North Kowloon, he
called for greater community involvement.
He pointed out that it was through the community involvement
scheme, area committees and mutual aid committees were formed in each
city district to help fight violent crime and keep Hong Kong clean.
Mr. Ho outlined the work of the Home Affairs Department which
has recently undergone a significant reorganization following the adoption
of the recommedations in the McKinsey Report by the government.
One of the major duties was the promotion of understanding between
the government and the public.
In addition to helping the residents solve their individual problems,
Mr. Ho said, the staff of the department were particularly concerned with
public reactions to government policies which would be reflected to higher
authorities for consultation and consideration,
On the liaison work with voluntary bodies such as the Tung Wah
Group of Hospitals, the Po Leung Kuk and kaifong associations, he emphasised
that this was of great importance for co-ordinating government and voluntary
efforts in community services.
Mr. Ho welcomed suggestions from members of the public to help
improve the services of his department to the community.
134