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SCMP Reporter

Bond plan is effectively a hedge fund
 As a Hong Kong citizen I must object to the government's bond issuance plans ('Government plans to issue bonds of up to HK$100 billion', April 29). According to the government, the borrowed money would be invested in financial instruments, meaning that the government would effectively be setting up a hedge fund.
As a citizen this is unacceptable to me as if the government loses money on its investments I will have to foot the bill. If I want to take risks I can do that myself, I don't need my government to do it for me.
The reasons given by the government for the issuance of the bonds, the usual nonsense trotted out by investment bankers, are to 'promote efficient allocation and flow of funds, thereby promoting further economic development and financial stability and strengthening Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre'. 
The real reason the investment bankers want the government to issue bonds is because they want the fees. 
While I am all for government welfare I believe there are better targets for that welfare than investment bankers.  
 If the government insists on issuing bonds, at least let something good come out of it.
 Use the money to replace the belching buses and build  fewer polluting power stations and service the bonds with higher taxes on fossil fuels, airport usage, vehicle importation, plastic bags, and so on. And make the bonds inflation-linked so they are more appropriate investments for retirees.
Torquil Macleod, The Peak
Character of area at risk
The government is attempting to  turn Lau Fau Shan into a more attractive tourist spot by enhancing the rural township and its surrounding areas. 
The Planning Department may well upgrade the  area and make it a tourist attraction and  popular for recreation by building new trails and a promenade alongside the coastal mangroves and by putting oyster shells on the seafront. 
After all, it is famous for its oyster farming and seafood.  
However, the water is now contaminated and it is giving off a bad odour.  But I would not like to see it changed out of recognition just to attract tourists. 
It has its own unique  characteristics. 
We must ensure that in the improvement process these features are not lost. 
If they are, then Lau Fau Shan will end up as being just another coastal area of Hong Kong.  
There could be a downside to turning it into a major tourist landmark. 
At present it is a quiet place which is perfect for leisure activities.  
If large numbers of tourists go there the natural environment will be destroyed and it could actually bring more pollution.  
 The present pollution problems must be addressed as soon as possible. 
As I said, we must not lose the original character of Lau Fau Shan. That is what visitors from urban Hong Kong love about it.  
Clarissa Wan Yuet-ting, Kwai Chung
Ex-official was best choice
 I refer to the report  ('Arts hub appointment criticised as 'too safe'', April 27).
 It was reported that the 'arts community has strongly criticised the government's handling of the appointment for the first salaried job with the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority'.  The criticism over Yuen Lup-fan's appointment as adviser for performing arts with the  authority, stems from the fact that he was a civil servant. 
I do not think such criticism is fair to the civil service or to Mr Yuen.  
 Other than the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and its predecessors, where else can one find in Hong Kong the breadth and depth of experience needed to plan  and set up performing arts venues and open spaces? Those who are familiar with arts development in  the city will probably remember that Mr Yuen  has actively participated in drama productions since secondary school.
  What is wrong with playing it safe?
 Surely it is right to appoint someone who has  proved he has the ability and dedication needed for the job.  
If anyone has information that any of the other 12 applicants for the job was better suited than Mr Yuen  that information should be disclosed so that people can reach their own conclusions.  
 The failure to make an official announcement of  Mr Yuen's appointment does admittedly show that the government underestimated the level of public interest in the matter.  But that is not Mr Yuen's fault  and the oversight does not detract from his suitability for the job.
Ng Hon-wah, Pok Fu Lam
A right that is open to abuse
I refer to the letter by Beatriz Taylor  ('Brickbats for Jackie Chan', April 25).
 Your correspondent said that Chan should apologise for the comments he made about  Taiwan concerning its democracy. However, I disagree as he was simply expressing his opinion.  We must respect an individual's right to freedom of speech. Hong Kong is a democratic city where different opinions are tolerated.  
 While some people disagreed with Chan's comments he does have a point.  
 With freedom of speech comes responsibility. However, some people abuse that freedom and this can lead to social problems.  I am thinking, for example, of the case of League of Social Democrats lawmakers using  foul language in the Legislative Council.
 This action damaged the  image people have of Legco members.  
 Chan was saying that there need to be some controls to prevent freedom from being abused.  
Poon Chung-yau, Lai Chi Kok
Not a rush job
From July 7, more than 2,000 shops will be charging customers 50 cents for each plastic bag.  
 Some critics have said this is too much of a rush.  However, I disagree. An increasing number of Hongkongers are taking their own recycled bags when they go to the shops. 
It has become a habit for many of them. It shows that people here are becoming more aware of the need to protect the environment.  
Some doubt the effectiveness of this policy. I accept that it is important for the government to get the message across to people about the plastic bag tax, through education and promotion.  
 The key goal should be to change the attitudes of all citizens towards plastic bags. 
Suki So, Ma On Shan
Short memories
I think that the government has taken all the right precautions and has prepared the city for the spread of swine flu.  
 The government has been thorough in its preparations, with supplies of medicine and masks and I believe it will be able to cope with the crisis. 
It would not make sense, at this stage, to stop people from Mexico coming into Hong Kong. If we did bar visitors it would only damage our economy.  
 However, while the government has shown it is prepared, the same could not be said of some citizens. After the Sars outbreak people seemed to take greater care of their personal hygiene, but many have short memories.  We must, as individuals, take the necessary precautions to prevent a repeat of the Sars tragedy. 
Ho Yin-lok, Yuen Long



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