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It is too early yet to be able to judge the effect of all these new measures, but the indication over recent months has been that the situation is at least being contained. In the past there has been criticism that sentencing in Hong Kong has been too light; some of the measures outlined above are clearly intended to remedy this.
Apart from these measures, the Governor hopes that efforts to improve the quality of life for everyone, for example in housing, education, social welfare and recreation, will have a favourable long-term effect. His proposals in this field were outlined in his policy speech of 18 October to Legislative Council (copy attached).
DEATH PENALTY
The death penalty still exists under Hong Kong law although no death sentence has been carried out since 1966. In a recent case of murder in the course of a gang robbery the death sentence was passed on a convicted man, TSOI Kwok-cheong. His appeal was dismissed by the Full Court of Hong Kong. The Royal Prerogative of Mercy is delegated to the Governor who, after taking the advice of his Executive Council and fully considering all the facts of the case, decided that the law should take its course. The condemned man subsequently petitioned The Queen for exercise of her residual prerogative of mercy. The Secretary of State recommended Her Majesty to grant a conditional pardon commuting the sentence of death to one of life imprisonment. The Queen duly signed the Instrument of Pardon.
Public opinion in Hong Kong is mostly against the reprieve, but it is generally seen as an act of clemency by Her Majesty. Most lawyers and churchmen have however welcomed it. There is some concern at the overruling of the Governor's decision and its possible adverse consequences for relations between Hong Kong and HMG. The fact is that Parliamentary opinion in Britain, in the light of the debates on capital punishment and on its abolition in Northern Ireland, would not have found an execution in Hong Kong acceptable at this time. This does not appear to be fully appreciated in Hong Kong.
CORRUPTION
There have been several allegations over the last few years of bribery and corruption in Hong Kong Government Departments, including the Police. Members of Parliament have asked several Questions on the subject. The Government of Hong Kong are well
/aware
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