*******************************************************
The Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, today (March 30) visited the Central and Western District and met a group of young people to exchange views on a number of issues including freedom of expression and their career development.
Mr Lee said at the gathering that Hong Kong was an open and pluralist society, allowing people to express their views freely. He was pleased to see that young people were standing out to express their views. So long as their acts did not pose any hazards to social order, the community would adopt a tolerant attitude, he said.
He said that from 1997 to the end of 2009, over 30,000 public assemblies and processions took place, and most of them were held in a peaceful manner. He added that young people were understanding and reasonable and they should know how to strike a balance between expressing their opinions and safeguarding the stability of the society.
On developing one's career, Mr Lee encouraged young people to do their best and they would eventually get good returns.
Mr Lee also visited the "Home of Love - Sheltered Workshop" in the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong Bridges Street Centre and was briefed on the social welfare services it provided to mentally disabled persons.
Ends/Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:50
NNNN
