PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION
For the Attention of Mr. G. P. Lloyd, C.M.G.
DATE: 30th June 1973.
The following xxxxxxx/synopsis of xx editorial(s)/xxxxxxd from the Chinese press of Hong Kong
is forwarded for information. Comments (if any) appear at the end.
Anti-Crime Bills
Three pieces of Legislation which gives added weight to the Government's determination to crack down on violent crime were passed by the Legislative Council on June 20, 1973.
The three bills are the District Court (Amendment) Bill 1973, the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 1973 and the Public Order (Amendment) Bill 1973.
The first bill gives increased sentencing powers to District Judges, the second provides for a new type of sentence to isolate habitual criminals from society, and the third strengthens the existing legislation dealing with possession of offensive weapons in public places.
When the bills were gazetted for public information before they were introduced to the Legislative Council, at least eleven Chinese-language newspapers had commented on them editorially. They were all in favour and hence disagreed entirely with the views of the Bar Association.
The following are some extracts which represent their views:
Wah Kiu Yat Po (12.5.73) "The introduction of harsh punishment complies
with the wish of the 4 million people of Hong Kong. Nothing can deal with crime more effectively than heavy punishment. The minority · who oppose it lack a thorough knowledge of the real situation."
(14.5.73)
"The Government has listened to public opinion
in introducing harsh sentences. This deserves our praise."
Nam Wah Man Fo (13.5.73) "The attempt of the people in the legal profession
to safeguard 'human rights' was made with good intentions, but they should also consider the question of "humanism" towards the victims of crime.' 11
12.
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