I READ with total disbelief and disgust the comments of the chairman of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Deborah Kwan Siu Lai-kwan, as reported in the South China Morning Post, on February 17. I am deeply concerned that a person who took on such an important post with one of Hong Kong's oldest local charities, should say that Tung Wah has no moral responsibility as regards the cagemen. Tung Wah representatives have repeatedly said the group has no legal obligations, however, the fact that it allows its tenants to operate cagemen accommodation, is morally wrong. Its all-too-frequent fund-raising appeals, have painted a picture of an organisation which cares for the old, needy and sick. Mrs Kwan's remark, that, ' . . . if we actively approach' to help out the cagemen, 'it is not fair to other people in need', is alarming. She is, effectively, by her own yardstick, discriminating against the cagemen. No prioritisation should be adopted; every needy case deserves help, especially one that is right under Tung Wah's nose. To add insult to injury, Mrs Kwan declares that the living conditions are really not that bad, they are even acceptable. And she adds that she would live there herself. Maybe the cagemen should challenge her to do just that. The Government has, in the past, always rewarded chairmen of Tung Wah, after they have completed their term of leadership, by having them put on the honour's list. In the case of the present chairman, I hope the Governor thinks twice before doing so. H.Y. LAU Jardine's Lookout
