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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council will hold a meeting this Wednesday (January 23) at 11 am in the Chamber of the Legislative Council Building. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on introducing legislative amendments to open up community radio stations.
The motion, to be proposed by Hon James To, says: "That existing legislation restricts the setting up of community radio stations by the public and the Government has unrestricted power to reject the applications from members of the public for a licence to operate a radio station, which has led to criminal prosecution against members of the public for setting up and participating in community radio stations, thus depriving the public of the right to express opinions through different channels and violating human rights; this Council urges the Government to amend the Telecommunications Ordinance and the Broadcasting Ordinance to open up public service broadcasting, including setting up channels for digital television and radio broadcasting for use by the public and allowing the community to set up and operate radio and television broadcasting services, so as to safeguard the freedom of speech of the public."
Hon Chan Kam-lam and Hon Albert Ho will move separate amendments to Hon James To's motion.
Members will also debate a motion on ensuring the conduct of fair elections. The motion, to be moved by Hon Audrey Eu, states: "That, as there were a number of incidents of violence and intimidation which were allegedly related to elections during the District Council Election and the Legislative Council Hong Kong Island Geographical Constituency By-election at the end of last year, and there were controversies arising from grey areas in various aspects such as the use of exit poll results, the employment of electoral staff and the provision of community services, etc, causing the public to query whether the election results might have been affected; this Council urges the Government to review existing legislation and guidelines, and take appropriate measures to improve the regulation of various acts related to elections, so as to ensure that the various levels of election are conducted fairly."
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Hon Tam Yiu-chung will move an amendment to Hon Audrey Eu's motion.
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On bills, Members will resume Second Reading debate on The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Declaration of C. W. Chu College, Wu Yee Sun College and Lee Woo Sing College as Constituent Colleges) Bill. If the bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will then go through the Committee Stage and be read the third time.
During the meeting, Members will ask the Government 20 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
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The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the Legislative Council InfoFax Service (Tel: 2869 9568) or the Legislative Council website (www.legco.gov.hk).
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Members of the public are welcome to observe the proceedings of the meeting from the public galleries of the Legislative Council Chamber. They may reserve seats by calling 2869 9399 during office hours. Seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Members of the public can also listen to the meeting via the audio webcast system on the Legislative Council homepage.
Ends/Monday, January 21, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:16
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