bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

sponsorType

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

Keeping publicin dark over TV decision
The debate on the refusal of a television licence to Hong Kong Television Network (HKTV) has largely ignored the long-term impact of the government's decision.
The government has presented the decision to grant licences to only two of the three applicants as a "gradual and orderly" opening up of the free-to-air TV market.
But the reality is that its failure to adequately justify HKTV's exclusion has destroyed the possibility of an orderly market expansion in future, since no sane investor would consider spending money to apply for a licence while the government's criteria for judging any application remain a total mystery.
The government's citing of Exco confidentiality as a reason for not explaining its decision is obviously a smokescreen.
Since Exco discusses all major government decisions, that would excuse the government from the obligation to justify any of its actions to the Hong Kong public.
While that might appear attractive to some government ministers, it would be totally unacceptable to the people of Hong Kong.
Exco confidentiality should mean that we don't know which member said what or took which viewpoint; it should not be an excuse for keeping the public in the dark.
Rod Parkes, Tai Po
 
Our city's core values at stake in licence issue
I refer to the report ("Liberals join with pan-democrats to back HKTV", October 29).
It is unusual for pro-government lawmakers to co-operate with pan-democrats and it shows that this issue of free-to-air TV licences is about core values of Hong Kong, namely, justice, equity and openness.
Officials either won't speak about why Hong Kong Television Network (HKTV) was refused a licence or come out with ambiguous explanations. They say the decision was taken after assessing all relevant factors, but won't say what they are. They say there were no political considerations, but will not elaborate further. They appear to think Hongkongers are fools.
It has always been the case in Hong Kong that opportunities will be thrown up if you keep working hard. That was the dream of HKTV chairman Ricky Wong Wai-kay and it is a dream shared by most Hongkongers.
This has helped the city to develop in the last few decades, but the government has now ignored that principle.
By defending HKTV we are defending our core values.
Sam Yip Tsun-him, Ma On Shan
 
No English booking formsfor basketball
I was shocked when I went to hire a basketball court at the Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building and found that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department could not provide me with a booking form in English.
Given that Hong Kong prides itself on being a world city where English, Cantonese and Putonghua are spoken, I was very disappointed that staff were unable to give me a list of venues or addresses in English and thus could not help me.
It was only with a lot of hand gesturing and descriptions that I managed to get what I needed, but this really does highlight the fact that the government is not providing adequate services for English speakers, who account for at least 20 per cent of those who use public services.
The department needs to review its booking procedures.
Jessica Yuen, Sha Tin
 
Violent games can influence youngsters
The release last month of Grand Theft Auto V proved hugely popular with video game enthusiasts.
What drew my attention to it was the adult content of the game, including strong language and violence.
Many youngsters are really into these computer games and can be deeply influenced by them.
Players are allowed, in the virtual world, to rob and shoot people. And of course as the reality they are in is a virtual one, rather than the real world, they can do so without consequences and without taking responsibility for their actions.
I fear that this might send the wrong message and that some young people might think that what they do online can also be done in real life. It is important that they are able to see that there is clear dividing line between the two.
Lynn Cheng Yuk-lam, Tsing Yi
 
Importing workers not the solution
I am concerned about the government's latest proposals to deal with Hong Kong's ageing population.
I am against importing labour unless we need to develop a new industry for our economy. We have to admit that Hong Kong is a small city, and we cannot accommodate as many people as larger cities and countries.
If we have to open the door, it should only be to import the most skilful people to help us move forward. I do not think a policy which loosened immigration in an attempt to replenish the low-skilled workforce in the construction, elderly care and catering sectors could be justified.
These are jobs with low entry requirements and almost anyone would be eligible.
If it is the case that Hong Kong could accommodate a population of eight million, then there is no problem relaxing labour import rules.
However, if it is not large enough to take more than the just over seven million we already have, then we would have problems. We would have one million additional citizens competing for limited resources such as land. We could see rising inflation.
If there is a problem with demographics then we can put that down to errors made by previous administrations, but we should not compound the problems created by making further mistakes. I do not believe the city has room for a large influx of new migrants.
The social problems that could arise as a consequence of allowing so many people in could be more serious than those we are having to deal with that are linked to having an ageing population alone.
The administration should be looking for affordable ways to deal with increased demand for elderly care. Officials could consider building a small town designed specifically for the elderly and which could operate at a lower cost thanks to the economies of scale.
It could also consider schemes to encourage the younger generation to take care of their parents. However, importation of labour is not the answer.
Robbie Yu, Mong Kok
 
'Baby bonus' of little use in long term
Hong Kong has a low birth rate because many citizens have decided not to start a family, and so we have the problem of an ageing population.
I would be against a proposal for the government to offer some kind of "baby bonus" to couples to encourage them to have children.
For example, a tax rebate would not be as attractive as it is in countries such as Australia and Britain, which have a much higher tax rate than we have. Therefore offering this kind of rebate is unlikely to lead to a higher birth rate, as the small amount of money offered would be of little help.
Also, the sums being suggested as financial incentives are hardly likely to encourage couples to start a family.
I recall reading claims that it costs around HK$4 million to raise a child in Hong Kong. I assume this is because of our high inflation. Therefore a couple wanting to have a baby would face economic problems as well as educational and other hurdles.
I think government funds would be better spent on public facilities that serve all Hong Kong people, such as more libraries and hospitals.
Offering financial incentives only to young couples is unfair, because they only benefit a particular section of Hong Kong's population.
If it wants to solve our ageing problem, the government should develop a good living and economic environment so that couples want to give birth.
Carmen Chan Ching-man, Sha Tin
 
Compulsory scheme would reduce waste
Hong Kong's landfills are already nearing capacity.
The introduction by the government of a waste charging scheme can create an incentive for people to cut the volumes of waste they generate.
For example, a restaurant will try to reduce its food waste in order to save costs. The scheme can also encourage citizens to change their habits and way of living. But a waste levy on its own is not enough and it will be tough to implement, as it will meet a lot of resistance.
The administration should also introduce a mandatory recycling scheme. This would be easier to implement and should be introduced first.
Imposing compulsory recycling in the community combined with an education campaign can get people to separate waste at source and substantially reduce the volume of waste for final treatment. This policy would also encourage the expansion of the recycling industry.
In this way the amount of rubbish people put in bins will have already been substantially reduced by the time the waste levy comes on line. With smaller bills, they are more likely to support the new charge.
Winnie Ip Wing-lam, Kwai Chung


Letters to the Editor, November 2, 2013

Controversial game on sale in a New York store. Photo: AFP

Opinion

Letters

The debate on the refusal of a television licence to Hong Kong Television Network (HKTV) has largely ignored the long-term impact of the government's decision.


Letters to the Editor, November 2, 2013

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The debate on the refusal of a television licence to Hong Kong Television Network (HKTV) has largely ignored the long-term impact of the government's decision.

The debate on the refusal of a television licence to Hong Kong Television Network (HKTV) has largely ignored the long-term impact of the government's decision.