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SCMP Reporter

What do you think of Edison Chen's statement?
In his statement [on the nude pictures controversy], Edison Chen Koon-hei apologised for what he had done and said he would 'leave the local entertainment industry after fulfilling current commitments' ('I want to say sorry ... give me a chance', February 22).
I found the content of his statement to be acceptable, but not the timing as I think it came a bit too late.
As a celebrity, I think Chen had a duty to try  to act as a  good role model.  He has to take responsibility for his actions.  However, I do not think we should judge him too harshly. We should give him credit for his sincerity and give him a chance to learn lessons from his actions.
I am concerned about what effect this incident has had on the moral values of our young people. Will a six-minute statement be enough to reinforce the correct moral standards.  I think it is time that we looked in-depth at improving the standard of moral and sex education, and this should be done as soon as possible.
Ivy Lee, Kwun Tong
There was both criticism and praise for Edison Chen Koon-hei following his public apology.
Some people think that he was brave to take responsibility for his actions and because of his sincerity and the sorrow that he felt over what he had done.  However, some members of the public were not impressed.
It is difficult to ascertain how sincere he really was, but there is no doubt that he deserves to be criticised for what he did.  Some people have seen him as a victim, because he never intended that the nude pictures should be viewed on the internet.
But, as a public figure, Chen should have realised that he has social responsibilities.  Celebrities  should be projecting a positive image to the public and think carefully about their behaviour and what effect it will have.  Even in their private lives they should be careful about what they do.
However, what happened to Chen should be a lesson in life to all of us. It should make us aware that if a person does not show self-discipline, it is easy for a reputation to be ruined.
Katie Chiu, Sheung Shui
How can obscenity on the internet be controlled?
First, I suggest the government should set up an authority to monitor the internet.
It should  consist of people from various occupations, such as social workers, teachers and psychologists. Through the experience they have accumulated in their respective professions,  they can judge whether information is obscene or not.
Then they would have the right to delete it. Of course, the authorities cannot monitor everything. Therefore, a hotline should also be set up for citizens to publish or report their opinions on this issue. In addition, the government should promote the message warning people of the risks they bear when reading obscene material.
It is the moral responsibility of everyone not to handle obscene material.
Eunice Chan Yu-sze, Kwun Tong
How can the decline of Tai O be reversed?
In the past, the government has not provided enough support to save the traditional fishing industry, and fishermen have struggled to survive. But  the government is now keen to develop more tourist attractions, and Tai O is obviously a good choice. But with  the declining number of young fishermen, the government may have doubts about this plan.
In my opinion, it is essential to preserve this traditional and unique industry. The government should not stop developing Tai O due to a lack of young people. It should provide more subsidies to the fishing industry.
Only in this way can the fishermen in Tai O have a sustainable industry, and more young people will be willing to stay in Tai O. With the assistance of more young people, Tai O can be developed into a fascinating tourist attraction.
It is also important to improve Tai O's transport network  and preserve the village. Although Lung Tin estate has been built for residents of Tai O,  poor transport makes residents reluctant to live in Tai O.  It can take two hours to get there if you are coming from an urban area of Hong Kong.
If it is going to be a viable tourist spot, then transport links must be improved.  I strongly urge the government to increase the number of scheduled boats running from the city to Tai O and thus shorten the travelling time. Tai O is part of our history. We cannot let it disappear like Queen's Pier and the Star Ferry clock tower.
Bill Lau, Kwun Tong
What was your most romantic Valentine's Day?
When I was young, I thought a romantic Valentine's Day must involve a huge bouquet of red roses, a diamond ring and dinner at an expensive restaurant with someone playing the piano  in the background.
However, I changed my mind, as my most romantic Valentine's Day was very normal. No surprises, no flowers, not even chocolates.
But I really enjoyed that day. I just sat at home with my boyfriend and we chatted with each other the whole night. It gave me a deeper understanding of him and improved our relationship.
Trying to understand your partner is more romantic than spending lots of money on short-term fun.
Cheng Choi-ha, Kwun Tong
Does the city have sufficient facilities for dogs?
There are few places for dogs to play outside. They are not allowed in parks, on beaches or on public transport.
Dogs are banned from housing estates. Even at those estates where residents are allowed to keep a dog, facilities in the various districts of Hong Kong are inadequate.
Yet dogs  are faithful friends to humans and they contribute to society in many ways.
For example, police dogs are important in the search for drugs, and this can help officers to arrest drug traffickers. Therefore, we should accept that dogs have basic rights and respect those rights.
The government has to  build more facilities for dogs and encourage people to make allowances for them. Japan has done much more in this respect.  There are dog runs with sites for them to play outside. There are also dog toilets.
Daisy Chan, Choi Wan



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