XN000022-1972-12-13 — Page 3

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Wednesday, December 13, 1972

Mr. Woo also pointed out that Chinese thinking for centuries

has been that "in normal times, reasonalbe penalties should be imposed;

but in times of disorder, severe sentences must be passed to correct

the situation."

He suggested that the peace of mind which every Hong Kong citizen

expects can only be restored if steps are taken to prevent the undesirable

element of the community, from carrying offensive weapons.

He described the crime wave as "a challenge to our stability and

to society itself" and said it is a cause for grave concern and there

must be still more vigorous action.

·

Social Justice

Three other Unofficial Members, the Hon. Wilfred Wong, the Hon.

T.K. Ann and the Hon. Wilson Wang, also spoke in support of the bill.

Mr. Wilfred Wong reiterated that "the role of an individual

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in society is not paramount but subservient to social justice" and said

an individual is only useful if he is useful to society, but loses his

value when he becomes a menace to society.

He described thugs as "a product of a permissive society" and

said if there does not exist a sufficiently strong deterrent, they will

keep on preying on their victims in Hong Kong.

He mentioned those who believed that a minimum sentence is

inconsistent with modern concept of justice and pointed out "it is this

very concept which led to the appalling crime rate in America,"

/Mr. Wong