Should the government cut back on welfare?

Jeffrey Lu, 16

Phillips Academy, Andover

Yes. Hong Kong's welfare system is far too lenient and those who are unemployed become dependent on welfare and don't want to look for a job.

Welfare is intended to be a last resort. If the welfare system is too generous, people will abuse it.

Why work long hours to earn the same amount of money that you can get with a welfare cheque?

Cutting back on welfare would bring benefits.

It would give people motivation to find a job.

That would boost the working population and the economy.

Cutting back on welfare would also increase government coffers.

This extra money could be used for commercial development, which would create jobs. The government could also provide job training for unskilled workers.

Cutting back on welfare would be a win-win situation. Both the government and the people would benefit. And more job opportunities would be created.

Gigi Lam, 18

STFA Cheng Yu Tung Secondary School

Social problems, such as poverty, unemployment and domestic violence, are getting worse.

Working-class people face immense hardship and stress. This affects Hong Kong's social stability.

The government should not cut back on welfare, and the community should be mobilised to help those in need.

It is the basic right of every citizen to receive social welfare if they need it. The government has the responsibility to protect this right.

The welfare system should provide a safety net for the needy. It should help to reduce social injustice and enhance social stability.

To prevent abuse of the welfare system, the government could charge welfare recipients a minimal fee.

With good management on the government's part, there shouldn't be any problems in increasing welfare.