I refer to the letter from PK Lee (South China Morning Post, February 25), denouncing the importance of the English language.
The fact that 'most people have no significant grasp of the language' does not justify Hong Kong people throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Yes, Mr Lee was right in saying, 'the few words that people know seem to provide a source of amusement'. And rightly so.
When I studied in Australia, there were many times, when our professors had to regard one group of students sympathetically.
I am not referring to those students who came from Japan, nor the mainland contingent, because their English standard was high. I refer to students from Hong Kong who anxiously struggled with simple English expressions.
Many of our government representatives, when they are talking to the English media, in news programmes which are seen both locally and internationally, frequently hesitate, as they struggle with English, peppering their replies with 'ums' and 'ahs'. This is disgraceful.
I feel ashamed to be part of the Hong Kong community.