UNITED Democrats legislator Mr James To Kun-sun has urged the Chinese Government to issue a stronger message to triad gangs that their activities would not be tolerated after 1997.
Director of the Chinese section of Interpol, Mr Zhu Entao, had tried to allay concerns sparked by comments from the Public Security Minister, Mr Tao Siju, in which he said some triads were ''patriotic''.
But Mr To said yesterday: ''Mr Zhu . . . failed to address our fear that these gangs will be given legal status after 1997.'' He called on China to clarify whether they would accept investment from triad members, who could then launder drug money on the mainland.
''They are vague on this area, and we want Chinese officials to send a clear message to the community that triads and their activities would not be tolerated.'' A source close to the Chinese side said yesterday that Beijing was concerned about the threat of the triads to the social order and political stability of Hongkong.
''Traditionally, triads in Hongkong are pro-Kuomintang and many triad leaders have strong links with Taiwan. To prevent the triads from turning into a destructive anti-communist force, Beijing needs to strengthen contact with them,'' the source said.
The source said China's paramount leader Mr Deng Xiaoping had instructed in 1984 that mediation and education work with triads in Hongkong should be strengthened in the transition period.