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SCMP Reporter

Doctors should not advertise

Doctors should not be allowed to advertise their services.

Their main duty is to save lives and advise people on how to improve their health.

If doctors were allowed to advertise, they would become 'stars' and might promote  health products to the public. This is not the best way to make use of their professional knowledge.

And what if the products were harmful?

I don't believe that banning doctors from advertising their services breaches the Basic Law provisions on freedom of speech. Freedom of speech  ensures that the public can express their opinions freely.

But it does not mean that they can say anything they like. For example, they should not make statements that make people angry.

Similarly, doctors should be responsible for their actions.

Advertising by doctors is unethical and should be banned.

Law Shuk-yee

Our Lady of the  Rosary College

Recipe for a long and happy life

I recently took part in my uncle's 70th birthday celebrations.

Many relatives attended the party and we all sang Happy Birthday.

It was such a marvellous occasion that my uncle cried because he was so touched. I hope he can be happy forever.

My uncle is strong and healthy, and is still working.

I hope when I reach 70, I will be as healthy and happy as him.

He told me his three secrets to good health -  being happy, doing regular workouts and enjoying every day of his life.

I will try to follow his advice and I recommend that you do the same.

Vivian Lee

Tsuen Wan Public Ho  Chuen Yiu Memorial College

Storm over signals

I'm glad to hear that the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) is planning to improve the city's typhoon signal system.

With the current system about 30 years old, officials are considering adding more typhoon signals.

The proposed overhaul follows the chaos caused by Typhoon Prapiroon in August.

Although the storm toppled containers, uprooted trees and grounded many flights at the airport, the typhoon signal No 8 was never hoisted.

When the HKO kept the signal at No 3, many people thought they had sacrificed safety for economic considerations.

They said people's lives should not be put at risk, whatever the cost for Hong Kong.

But I think the situation is not that bad. Some HKO staff have to work 24 hours at a stretch as they keep track of the information that is updated regularly.

There are many things that have to be analysed in a very short time to predict what will happen during a typhoon.

I appreciate the work done by the HKO.

I hope the problems can be solved quickly.

Ng Wang-yi

Wage plan unfair

I'm writing in response to the voluntary minimum wage proposed by Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen during his policy address earlier this month.

Only two types of workers - cleaners and security guards - could benefit from the plan.

The government should widen the net since there are many others who are not receiving a reasonable salary.

Also, requiring employers to offer wages not lower than the average market rate could create difficulties for small and medium enterprises.  They would become less competitive since workers would join large companies which offer a better salary.

The 'big boys' would have an advantage. It would be unfair.

Sarah Lee

Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka  Ping Secondary School

Trip changes views about life

I used to compare my living standards with those of my classmates and admire people who lived in big houses.

I never thought about the poor, but a visit to Cambodia during the summer holidays changed my views about life. During my two-week stay,  I talked to the people there, played with the children and visited their homes.

I was shocked when I saw how they lived.

For example, factory workers were crammed into an area of about 300 square feet, with very little furniture.

They slept on the floor and cooked in front of their 'house'.

Despite the hardship, the Cambodians enjoyed their simple lifestyle. They were happy.

I've learned that money does not always bring happiness;  it depends on what you're looking for in life. There is a saying: 'Money can't buy everything.' This is absolutely true.

As for me, life is about having my beloved family and friends around me.

And that's always enough to make me happy.

Lettie Sin Wing-han

St Stephen's Girls' College

Photo alerts world to boy's suffering

I saw a newspaper photograph which showed a father holding his crying son, whose arm had been amputated.

The boy was injured during an attack in his village in Pakistan. His brother was not so lucky. He died.

According to the article, this picture captured worldwide attention and helped raise funds for the boy to get an artificial arm.

Although he can now carry out his basic daily activities, the pain in his heart may never be cured.

It's hard for people in developed countries to imagine the suffering of those who live in war-torn regions.

Peace may be nothing special to us, but what about the people who wonder whether they would see the sunrise the next day?

Will they ever enjoy the peace they long for?

Chan Chun-sing

Bitter-sweet feeling

I've hated bitter gourd since I was a child.

One day, my father cooked it for dinner, but I didn't want to eat it.

'It is good for your health. It can also make you more beautiful,' my father said.

I was surprised to hear that this vegetable could make you look good.

I have since eaten a lot of bitter gourd because I don't want to disappoint my caring parents.

But I don't think I have become more attractive.

On another day, my father had spent a long time preparing bitter gourd soup.   'Your father  did that because it's good for you,' my mother said. Although the soup was bitter, it was full of my parents'  love.

I like bitter gourd soup!

Jasmine Leung

Shun Lee Catholic  Secondary School

Teaching comes first

I heard that a primary school principal has put up magazine-cover posters around the campus, urging teachers not to wear casual clothes to school.

It's not necessary to introduce a dress code for teachers.  They are mature adults.

The image of a teacher should be one of 'simplicity and integrity'. Everybody should be happy as  long as they dress  decently.

I agree that teachers should maintain a good image as a sign of respect to their profession and students. But they should pay more attention to their teaching rather than their appearance.

Ho Yeuk-han

Good Hope School



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