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SCMP Reporter

MPF scheme should be replaced with something that works
I agree with Jake Van der Kamp's column regarding the Mandatory Provident Fund ('Failed MPF scheme should be wound up', September 12). 
However, it should be replaced by something which works - for the reason that our retirees will need income in the same way that social security payments underpin most US retirees' income.
Our present MPF process - which for the sake of brevity I will describe as throwing our retirees to the wolves - guarantees a poor outcome. 
An excellent process - for example the Swedish scheme offering a genuine choice of low- priced investment products - provides not only a better investment pay-off but also the invaluable political benefit that the government is seen to care about the future of society.
I cannot believe that our government is incapable of understanding the technical deficiencies and political dangers inherent in our Mandatory Provident Fund, and I urge our officials to re-engineer this scheme so that it ranks among our better institutions, not our worst.
Don Allison, Kowloon Tong
Win had nothing to do with identity politics
Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee seemed genuinely surprised Paul Zimmerman won Pokfulam in the Southern District Council by-election ('The gloves are off for electoral fights', September 19).  
In her column she gives the impression that Mr Zimmerman's identity as a gweilo and expatriate was the most decisive factor.
Identity politics is often a factor in elections where the demographics are diverse. But before one gets too caught up with the dynamics of identity politics, there is a more obvious reason for Mr Zimmerman's win.
A long-time environmental advocate with a proven track record backed by a spectrum of pan-democrats was clearly a better choice than someone of a relatively unknown quality. 
If anything, this by-election shows that race does not and should not matter when it comes to deciding who to represent your district.
Benjamin Chan, Ma On Shan
Considerably more impressive track record
Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee draws the astonishing conclusion that Paul Zimmerman essentially won the Southern District Council by-election because voters in Pokfulam are white racists ('The gloves are off for electoral fights', September 19). Nice. 
She omits to mention that both candidates had essentially the same policy platforms.
However,  while  Ellis Lau Ying-tung is essentially a fresh university graduate, Mr Zimmerman has a considerably longer and more impressive track record of professional accomplishments and interest in Hong Kong's affairs.
Mrs Ip in her column casually drops the term 'gweilo'.
This is a term which expatriates are generally not fussed about but which we all know is used by Chinese as a pejorative term. 
Sour grapes, Mrs Ip? 
Paul Porter, Pok Fu Lam
Using the word gweilo was out of order
Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee should know better than to use the Cantonese racial slur for Caucasian people ('The gloves are off for electoral fights', September 19).
She has studied abroad and must know that although Caucasians (unfortunately) use this word [gweilo] to describe themselves, using it in a newspaper column is verboten.
This is particularly true in the way she used it in her column. It indicates that she believes that Hong Kong should only be governed by ethnic Chinese. She should apologise.
Phillip C. Holloway, Pok Fu Lam
Puzzled by proposal to change street name
Recently, the director of the Lands Department suggested that  consideration was being given to rename Fo King Road, in Tai Po district, Fo Chun Road.  
Fo King Road was named in 2005. So  why do officials feel the need to rename it after only five years? 
Changing a street name can confuse residents and drivers. They will have to try to remember the new name.  
Maybe the government has a good reason for changing the name. If so, please let us know what it is. If not, then it would be better to stick with Fo King Road.  
Tsang Hing-kwong, Yuen Long
Pointless railings an irritating problem
Congratulations on your  report on the now-ubiquitous steel railings ('Pedestrians lose ground as railings turn footpaths into obstacle courses', September 19). 
Finally we have some recognition of one the very irritating problems which have been created thoughtlessly by the Hong Kong government - the excessive (obsessive?) installation of these  unattractive steel railings along virtually any possible free stretch of  pavement/walkway. These railings effectively shunt pedestrians onto collision courses with each other. 
I recall several correspondents writing in about the problem and being completely ignored.
I can also remember the thoughtless demolition of some lovely old stone barriers along the Lugard Road/Hatton Road walk around The Peak to be replaced by these ugly steel railings. 
Whichever government department dreamed this up  ought to be awarded a medal for having caused the maximum inconvenience for pedestrians in an already overcrowded city. 
I am glad this problem has finally been highlighted.   
Stuart McCarthy, Happy Valley
Eyesore made worse thanks to politicians
I agree with the points made in your report regarding footpath railings ('Pedestrians lose ground as railings turn footpaths into obstacle courses', September 19).
They have questionable safety merit, especially the railings which are two metres wide, increase the likelihood of injuries when the footpaths are full and are an unsightly design.
However one aspect that your article did not address is how they have become free billboards for Hong Kong's politicians. 
Travelling along Caine Road, you can see that placards with the friendly faces of our representatives have been strewn over these railings.
I am almost certain that no fee is paid for these ugly banners. 
The Sunday Morning Post should ask the relevant government department why these are not removed.
Until then, I should have some signs printed for my own business placed on these railings and see how long they last.
Stephen Chow, Mid-Levels
Shades of Philippines' former first lady
You carried a photo of the chief executive and his pink-shirted assistant bearing a pink brolly over his head ('Tang walks the walk on car-free day', September 23). 
It reminded me of Imelda Marcos in her heyday when she sported multi-coloured parasols to match her outfits, and the young Queen Sirikit when her Thai servants held up golden brollies to shield her from the sun. 
It makes one feel sorry for these delicate folks with weak constitutions, doesn't it?
L. M. S. Valerio, Tin Hau



Letters