|
![]() |
|
*********************************
Following is the address made by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the 2002 Fight Crime Conference this morning (December 14):
Chairman, ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to officiate at the opening ceremony of the 10th Fight Crime Conference. The earnest devotion to fighting crime we see here is most encouraging.
Social stability is essential to making Hong Kong Asia's world city and maintaining our competitiveness in face of economic globalisation. We have done very well here. On the front of law and order, our overall crime rate remains consistently low. Last year's figure stood at 1 086 cases per 100 000 of population, the third lowest over the past 28 years. Compared with other major cities, Hong Kong is among the safest in the world.
As manifested by the conference theme of "A Safe City Builds on a United Front against Crime", active participation and support from all sectors of the community underpins the combat against crime. While the Police and other disciplinary forces have done a great job in maintaining our good record of public order and fight crime tasks, the support by the District Fight Crime Committees and the entire community has also been indispensable. To every guest here and the organisations you represent, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your readiness to render the Government your most valuable advice on law and order issues, and for your vigorous promotion of fight crime campaigns among members of the public over the years.
I would like to commend, in particular, our Chief Secretary for Administration and all members of the Fight Crime Committee. Tasked with overseeing crime prevention and fight crime polices, they have made remarkable accomplishments through close cooperation with District Fight Crime Committees.
Hong Kong is facing considerable challenges. The bursting of "bubble economy", persistent deflation, fiscal deficits and changes arising from economic restructuring all indeed have tremendous impacts on our economy and livelihood. But with our "can-do" spirit, I am most confident that Hong Kong will emerge stronger from the process. Our confidence comes from our advantages: our unique geographic location, robust rule of law, free and open economy, clean and efficient government, etc. We also have the staunch support of our country. Equally important, our confidence stems from social stability and good law and order. But to keep our crime rate low, we need concerted efforts from all of you to encourage public participation in fighting crime and facilitate law enforcement actions. You all play an essential role in this respect.
Lastly, I hope you will make the best use of the occasion to exchange views and share experience. Make the conference a success and consolidate Hong Kong's position as one of the safest cities in the world.
Thank you.
End/Saturday, December 14, 2002 NNNN
|