TNAG-1734-FCO40-2447-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 124

Translation

Draft speech by Hon Mrs Rosanna TAM Legislative Council 6 July 1988

Societies (Amendment)(No. 2) Bil 1988 Societies

MRS. TAM (in Cantonese):

Sir,

сер

이야

сар

чар

The

main purpose of this pill is to provide triad

as

members with an opportunity to renounce their triad

their triad membership

through the

of a friad Renunciation Tribunal

proposed in the report on

setting

up

triad problems published two years

ago. The introduction of such arrangement has a crucial bearing

on triad members and is a significant move

a significant move in tackling the triad problems. It represents a major breakthrough in removing the

traditional concept of 'once a triad, always a triad' which attaches lifelong stigma to triad members.

\b_weat-know under the existing legislation, it is a criminal offence for anyone to become a triad member. Hence,

once admitted as a member of a triad society, a person is

destined to live in the fear of being prosecuted throughout his

life. Even though he intends to turn over a new leaf, he can do nothing to change his status. The proposals contained in this bill are to cater for the need of those triad members who wish to get rid of their triad affiliations : providing them with a legitimate means to renounce their triad membership and enabling them to be free from bondage before the law and to lead a normal life again. therefore pledge my full support to this bill.

I

Sy A

(I)