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Hong Kong's reputation as one of the safest cities in the world was a public recognition of the work of its disciplined services, the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, said today (June 9).
Mr Lee was speaking at the opening ceremony of the "Disciplined Services Joint Exhibition to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region".
"Since the reunification on July 1, 1997, our disciplined services have maintained a high standard of professionalism in discharging their duties, combating crime, upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all are equal before the law," Mr Lee said.
He pointed out that Hong Kong remained a safe and attractive place for residents, investors and tourists, thanks to the hard work, courage, dedication and impartiality of members of the disciplined services in maintaining good law and order and protecting people's livelihoods and property.
Outlining the contributions and accomplishments of the eight disciplined services in the last decade, Mr Lee commended the Hong Kong Police Force for its outstanding performance, high crime detection rate and its close co-operation with its Mainland and overseas counterparts to effectively curb transnational organised crime and cross-boundary crime. During the World Trade Organization Hong Kong Ministerial Conference in 2005, the Police maintained social order by dealing with demonstrators in a restrained and flexible manner, gaining great acclaim all over the world.
Mr Lee praised the Customs and Excise Department for its efforts in cracking down on smuggling, piracy and copyright infringing activities, thus protecting intellectual property and consumers' rights and reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a business and logistics hub.
Meanwhile, the Correctional Services Department had been providing safe and secure custodial services, as well as actively promoting and supporting offenders' rehabilitation programmes. The department, in collaboration with non-government organisations and professionals, has strengthened the offender rehabilitation service to help them to re-integrate into the community.
Noting that the Immigration Department had adopted the most sophisticated technology including the widely-used e-channels, smart identity cards and electronic passports to promptly address the travelling needs of the community, Mr Lee said this helped attract talent worldwide, boost cultural exchange between the East and West, and ensure travel convenience for Hong Kong people.
Well-trained firemen and ambulancemen of the Fire Services Department, coupled with the department's advanced communication systems and equipment, provide prompt assistance to those who are injured or in danger in cases of fire, traffic accidents or other disasters.
In addition, the Government Flying Service, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service had been committed to serving the community over the years. They always stood ready to respond to calls to provide emergency search and rescue services, transportation of casualties and logistics support to law enforcement agencies and other government departments.
Mr Lee thanked the organising committee for the efforts which made the joint exhibition a success, noting that the event provided a platform for the public to gain a better understanding of the work of the disciplined services.
Mr Lee called on young people to uphold their belief, equip themselves and display a sense of commitment and perseverance to work for a bright future.
"Our disciplined services are equally full of vigour. Building on what they have achieved, they will continue to work hard to maintain a stable and harmonious society and to develop along with Hong Kong," he said.
Ends/Saturday, June 9, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:01
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