TNAG-1555-FCO40-2119-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 168

Annex E (Page 2)

Amendments to the Societies Ordinance,

Cap 151 (Increase in maximum fines and

amendments to Sections 20 and 22)

3

Heavier fines and harsher penalties were

supported. Tin Tin Daily News suggested that the death penalty and corporal punishment should be carried out. Some papers had reservations on the options to amend sections 20 and 22 of the Societies

Ordinance. It was considered that the definition of

"triad society" was not clear. The creation of an

offence of a series of acts or words implying triad

membership or affiliation was also considered

inappropriate, as such acts or words could be vague and open to subjective interpretation. Also, triad slang was already commonly used on television and in films. It was suggested that it should be clearly

defined what constitutes the offence of claiming to

be a triad member to avoid abuse of power by the Police. Papers expressing such reservations included Hong Kong Daily News, Oriental Daily, Centre Daily

News and Ming Pao Evening News.

Police supervision scheme

4

There were mixed views on this option. Papers supporting the Police supervision scheme

considered that it could effectively monitor and

control the activities of triads and that any

sacrifice of personal freedom was worthwhile for the

sake of public order. This view was shared by Sing

Tao Wan Po, Wen Wei Po, Ming Pao and Tin Tin Daily

News. But reservations were expressed in editorials on the scheme on the grounds that the Police would be given too great a power which, if abused, would

restrict civil liberties. Other views on the scheme

included