Two business groups have changed their minds and are now backing the enactment of an anti-racism law in Hong Kong. The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resources Management previously opposed a law, saying education was a better means of combating racism. But at a focus group meeting, held by the government, they said education and legislation should go hand in hand. Last week's meeting follows on from lengthy consultation in November 2001 which revealed little opposition from the business community to the laws. The latest support includes backing from parts of the tourism industry that hopes anti-racism laws will send a positive signal about Hong Kong to potential visitors from overseas. It has boosted hopes that the legislation is finally on the way. At least three of the groups at last week's meeting, that were contacted by the South China Morning Post, said they told Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho Chi-ping, that they supported a law. The president of the Institute of Human Resources Management, Virginia Choi Wai-kam, said online polling of members showed 41 per cent agreed legislation and education programmes should be used together to fight racism. About 22.5 per cent said the problem of racism was serious in Hong Kong compared with 14 per cent in a similar poll conducted in 2001. 'I suggest that the government should work with unions, human resources staff and multi-national corporations which already have experience of legislation,' she said. 'If they do not, we worry about its impact on employee relations, which are already quite stressed at the moment due to unemployment and the Sars outbreak.' James Lu, executive director of the Hong Kong Hotels Association, said Hong Kong had to have a law if it wanted to consider itself among the best and brightest cities in the world. 'Especially at this time when the tourism and hospitality industry is suffering, it would promote business and tourism in Hong Kong and would encourage more people of different races to come here,' he said. 'People from the Middle East face discrimination in many places today but with a law here, people will think they would be better protected in Hong Kong.' The Hong Kong Employers of Overseas Domestic Helpers Association, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong Construction Association continued to oppose a law, saying race discrimination was not a serious problem in the territory. The Hong Kong Retail Management Association is currently studying the issue and is seeking members' advice. A Home Affairs Bureau spokesman said the meeting was useful to gain a better understanding of the views. 'We are actively considering the way forward, and will announce a decision as soon as possible.'
