"The population lacks almost all basic democratic rights.
It is
Much depends of course on what is meant by a generality such as "basic democratic rights". true there are no general elections nor a freely- elected constitutional body, but liong Kong's geographical position precludes this. The reasons are well understood by the vast majority of Hong Long population. The statement ignores the fact that political parties and bodies do exist, speech is completely free, and newspapers, radio and TV are free to publish and say what they wish. There is no control whatsoever over TV programmes for instance except those governing advertising times, public morals and libel laws which apply in other countries.
If Hong Kong lacks "basic democratic rights" why is it that so many immigrants, both legal and illegal, enter long Long? hy is there no mass emigration back to China, or to Taivan? It must reflect the fact that many people consider it a better place for them to live in. One Chinese language newspaper making its own editorial comment on "A Case to Answer" wrote, "the people of Hong Kong can still enjoy sufficient freedon in many respects" (1)
"The death penalty, banned in Britain for a decade, still unrepealed in Hong Kong.
!!
is
This is true but no executions have been carried out since 1966, even though there has been strong call. by civic leaders on behalf of the majority of the people in Hong Kong for a return of hanging.
"The social services and housing are abysmal"
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Hong Kong has the best social welfare scheme in Asia. except Japan. Any one who has had a full year's residence in Hong Kong is eligible to apply for public assistance, if needed. Apart from this there is a disability and infirmity allowance scheme which requires no. means test for eligibility.. In addition to these
schemes there are trust funds supported by the Government which can be used for immediate and urgent cases of people in dire need.
The success of Hong Kong's housing programme has attracted attention and praise from many parts of the world. It is a feature which official visitors fron overseas and tourists have seen for themselves.
(1) Hong Kong Times, September 7th 1974
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