Letters to the Editor, March 3, 2017
Shoppers want skin creams to have labelling
I was shocked to learn that some lotions studied by the council contained ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions. Some manufacturers have said they are adhering to accepted international standards, but that is not the point. Why are some firms reluctant to detail the ingredients on their products?
Labelling gives shoppers important information. If some firms continue to oppose mandatory labelling, then how can they expect consumers to trust them and remain loyal?
Apart from labelling, I would urge people to think carefully before buying some products, especially those making claims about improving your health. The best way to ensure you are in good health is to eat a nutritious diet and exercise regularly. Relying too much on creams full of chemicals is not the answer.
For the sake of transparency and to ensure consumers are fully informed, I hope the government will introduce mandatory labelling.
Heidi Keung, Kowloon Tong
Boxer setting good example for students
In the article, he described how he found it extremely hard to achieve his dream of becoming a professional boxer. He has had to submit to a regime of seemingly endless training and adhering to a strict fitness programme. He has had to learn to adopt a tough lifestyle of self-discipline.
Reading about his experiences made me realise that you must work had to achieve success.
As a student, I sometimes find our education system, dominated by rote-learning, to be frustrating. You have to do a lot of exercises and tests to prepare yourself for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education. And you sign up for tutorial classes to hone your exam skills.
The workload and all the tests can be tough on students. However, as Tso shows, you can achieve the goals you have set yourself if you really make the effort.
Kristy Tam, Lam Tin
Long wait to see specialist at public hospital
I am an octogenarian lady. On February 14, there was a sudden popping sound in my right ear and I became deaf.
I went to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and, after waiting 21/2 hours, was told by a doctor that I had a perforated eardrum.
He gave me a referral letter to see an ear, nose and throat specialist at Queen Elizabeth hospital. At the ENT department, they gave me an appointment date of April 20, 2018, at 9.30am – 14 months later.
I called the hospital patient relations department to clarify whether it was a mistake and I was told that no, there was no mistake.
Our public hospitals seem to be overwhelmed with too many bookings.
Kay Chong Soy, Tsim Sha Tsui
Helping city keep its edge in tourism sector
It reported its second loss-making year in a row, largely because of having fewer visitors from the mainland. It has been open for almost 12 years and is part of the collective memory of many Hongkongers, especially those who recall enjoyable times when visiting with their families.
Despite its losses its presence does boost the city’s economy and that is what the government must look at when considering whether or not it should be shut down.
With infrastructure projects such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge and the Airport Authority’s SkyPlaza, there will be an increased flow of visitors and Disneyland will still have an important role to play.
Tourism is one of the pillars of our economy, both in terms of overall economic growth and the jobs it provides.
Hong Kong faces a lot of regional competition in the tourism sector and attractions like Disneyland help it to keep its edge. It is too early to say if it is really a wasted use of land.
Jenny Kwok, Tseung Kwan O
New leader will face same housing woes
In the absence of any concrete plans to solve the land and property shortage problem, I have a hunch that the next chief executive will share the same fate as his/her predecessors.
Circumstances favour land and property developers, resulting in an unhealthy huge government surplus, which is detrimental to the middle class and underprivileged.
Peter Wei, Kwun Tong
Trump giving Americans hope and jobs
I am optimistic about US President Donald Trump’s leadership.
He has said he will make travel to America safe again and he is working hard to make that happen. He is also making good on his pledge to create jobs.
I believe he can help us to come out of an era of global uncertainty. He wants to ensure that America can prosper again. And it is important to know that when America prospers, so does the rest of the world. It is the largest nation in terms of consumption.
America’s success is what will bring the world out of uncertainty. Despite what sections of the media say about Trump, we should recognise the motivation behind many of his tweets. He is giving Americans hope.
I would now feel safer travelling to the US, because Trump is trying to ensure that only those with good intentions are allowed into the country.
He was elected because voters wanted change. This is a wake-up call for all leaders, that people are calling for genuine change.
Rishi Teckchandani, Mid-Levels
It is good to see celebrities taking a stand
This year’s awards season has served as a platform for actors and actresses to make political jabs at President Donald Trump, and the Academy Awards was no exception. I have been heartened to see celebrities taking a political stand publicly.
While many viewers question the necessity of linking the entertainment industry with the seemingly unrelated political realm, public figures play a crucial role in sparking discussions and driving social progress. It is encouraging to see how simple speeches can inspire more public participation in political movements.
Politics, as part of social science, is an umbrella term which covers all aspects of our lives. We live the way we do because policymakers have laid down the ground rules.
Letting different voices be heard is especially important in today’s divided society.
Stephanie Lam, Sheung Wan
