TNAG-2329-FCO40-3373-Hong-Kong-contacts-with-academics-and-writers-1991 — Page 43

(k)

might find this useful.

The role of Hong Kong local government is

a subject I hope to examine in due course.

The Media as "Explainer" in a Period of Reform: its Role, Status, and Funding. The accurate conversion by a free media of detailed policy positions into generally comprehensible formulae capable of being understood by non-specialist readers, listeners and viewers is a prerequisite for successful reform. What is the role of the journalist in an autonomous society? In Hong Kong, the journalist is free to write without regard to the national interest. The press is not a government tool for nation-building. How can this be best safeguarded beyond 1997? In a letter to the Chief Secretary in November 1989, the Hong Kong Journalists Association identified a series of ordinances raising issues concerning freedom of expression and freedom of the press. They identified issues arising under: -

The Official Secrets Act The Police Force Ordinance Television Ordinance

Telecommunications Ordinance

Film Censorship Ordinance

Public Entertainment Ordinance

Trades Union Ordinance

Immigration Ordinance

Registration of Persons Regulations

Crimes Ordinance

Mental Health Ordinance

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I have not yet verified for myself the nature of the problems arising under the above provisions. In relation to one of them, however, the HKJA said the following: -

"The HKJA is concerned about the use of [the law] in the light

of the recent seizure of raw videotapes from the two television stations. We hope the government will urgently review the relevant provision[s], with a view to ensuring that adequate safeguards are built into the system. At the moment, the ordinance is too vague, and can therefore be abused, in this case to the detriment of the news media's

49 right to confidentiality.

11

What right? How is it safeguarded?

Comparative discussion of

legal remedies and standards could be important.

(1) Managing a modern business in today's commercial world. (See paragraph 2.18 above.) On my return to the United Kingdom, I intend to ask the Centre for Business Strategy of the London Business School to advise on a useful agenda under this heading.