bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

SCMP Reporter

THE E-MAIL FORUM

Q How can sites of ecological importance be better protected?

I read with anger and disbelief about the wanton destruction of one of the very last scenic rivers in Hong Kong. I feel like hearing the news that the last Tasmanian tiger died on our watch!

The offenders and those whose job it was to prevent this - but did not - showed enormous disrespect for nature, for law and order, and for the people of Hong Kong, and I would not be sorry to see these people, whoever they are, brought to justice quickly and punished to the maximum the law allows.

That's the only acceptable outcome for such a callous crime against nature.

To Tak-pui, Western

Q Was it excusable for Arthur Li to play computer games in a Legco meeting?

The behaviour of  Arthur Li at the Legco education panel meeting was an absolute disgrace. It was dreadful for a Cambridge graduate - one who should possess at least the most basic manners - to act in such a disrespectful way in a formal governmental meeting.

As a professor, he certainly presents a repulsive example to students. I wonder what his reaction would be if his doctor decided to 'multi-task' during an operation.

Specifically regarding the government's funding cuts to universities, everyone should know by now that scientific research is crucial to sustained economic growth and technological progress.

Human capital accumulation offers higher scope for increasing returns.  The decision on education funding is not only a life or death matter for lecturers and students, but it determines the long-term competitiveness of the Hong Kong economy and  the future income of the government.

The matter should not be treated so light-heartedly as Professor Li did in Legco.

Simon Tan, London

Q How should the Tamar site be put to use?

Since Hong Kong is  part of China, and all big Chinese cities have a 'people's square' why not occupy the Tamar site with cafes, trees and flowers and sitting areas, a stage for concerts and an open theatre for Hong Kong people to enjoy.

The government office can be built somewhere else - it doesn't have to be in Central.  Now is the time for our government to give something back to the people.

Elizabeth Maegerlein, Pokfulam

Q Should trees on the marine police site be cut down?

Everybody loves books, but it is a fact that even public libraries have to 'weed out' books that are outdated or in poor condition to make shelf space for new  books that people will enjoy reading.

The same can be said for the trees surrounding the former marine police headquarters. Looking at the artist's impression of the proposed makeover leaves no doubt in my mind that the new site will not only be nature-friendly but also people-friendly.

The landmark trees such as the giant banyan and others with historical significance will be preserved, and more importantly, by 'weeding out' dying trees, the landscape architects will be giving large mature trees ample space to continue to grow.

These are the trees that will contribute to the character of the landscape and enhance the historical value of this heritage site for many years to come.

If this development is to succeed as a tourist destination, it is important that this beautiful heritage building be accessible both physically and visually from the street level.

Angela Chan, Mid-Levels

Q Are Aberdeen's seafood wholesalers being treated fairly?

After the outbreak of so many deadly diseases, the community has become increasingly concerned about hygiene matters. Thus, it is unavoidable that money be spent to keep the environment clean. The same principle stands for the improvement of the seafood market.

Aberdeen fish sellers used to keep fish in contaminated water without strict controls. They sold their products privately (and regardless of their occupation of public spaces). Polluted seafood puts consumers' lives at risks.

It is their responsibility to maintain a certain standard to meet the customers' needs and to adapt to any possible changes. Now that the seafood market needs to be cleaned up, expenses are inevitable.

Only when the fishermen manage to change the present situation can the government step back. The  wholesalers should face up to reality.

Name and address supplied

On other matters...

Amid all the agonising in recent times about how to resurrect Hong Kong's economy, the physical well-being of Hongkongers seems to have been relegated to a position of relative unimportance.

I refer specifically to the use of Victoria Park. Since early November, there has barely been a couple of days when there has been unrestricted access to and use of the open spaces where the football playing areas  are.

Following fast on the heels of a 'trade fair', which began early in October there is now a Winterfest 'expo', which will occupy the whole of the open playing area until well into next month.

Economic health should not be  the government's only imperative. This persistent fencing off of large areas for commercial exploitation should be reviewed urgently and priorities for the use of the park examined in a more holistic way, for the betterment of all Hongkongers.

Stephen Hodges, Causeway Bay

I went to the Hongkong Post Office to buy $3 stamps for the Christmas cards that I wish to send overseas.

I know when I receive Christmas cards from abroad it's always interesting to see what kind of festive and unique Christmas stamps are issued by most nations of the world.

I made the assumption Hongkong Post would have something unique and special for this festive season but I was disappointed to find only the standard boring and ugly $3 dragon boat and sailboat stamps are available this year.

Why is it that the Hong Kong government can happily spend hundreds of millions of dollars to promote Hong Kong as Asia's World City but can't spare the time or money to produce a secular postage stamp for the Christmas season?

Children  could design the stamp.

Would the post office care to comment as to why the Grinch stole Hong Kong's Christmas stamps this year?

Phil Holloway, Pokfulam



talk back