Recent alleged incidents of discrimination urge me to write and comment on the work of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). The lack of prompt and appropriate response from the commission has been disappointing and leads me to question its efficiency. Too Slow: The incident in which Lippo Securities forbade female employees from wearing trousers, or be subject to a fine of $300, was publicised, criticised, and settled - without even the slightest contribution from the EOC. Dr Fanny Cheung, Chairperson of the EOC, was evasive, refraining from making any public statement on the matter. She had not even ordered an investigation which is one of the primary roles of the commission. The failure to respond quickly reflects at least a sense of insensitivity on the part of the commission. Too Quiet: In a position paper published by Dr Cheung, she claimed: 'It is irresponsible for the EOC to publicly condemn or exonerate any part which may be a subject of complaint.' The minimum that a responsible chairperson could have done was, at least, to state the stance of the commission on the said matter - safeguarding human rights, and promoting equal opportunities for all - without even mentioning the possible complaint parties. According to the Sex and Disability Discrimination Ordinances, it is unlawful to discriminate against people on the grounds of gender, marital status, pregnancy, or disability. Yet, the EOC seems more like a research institute than a statutory anti-discrimination body, only acting after thorough investigation and reports are ready. In the meantime as the EOC watches the growth of organised community resistance, it quickly and conveniently forgets its conciliatory role between conflicting parties. The removal of barriers for disadvantaged groups will not be possible if the EOC chooses a low profile, quiet approach. The silence of the EOC on discriminatory matters not only misses important and timely public education opportunities, but, perhaps more importantly, condones discrimination. Dr JOHN TSE WING-LING Legislative Councillor
