SHA's speech in Radio 3's "Letter to Hong Kong"

Sunday, May 11, 2003

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, in "Letter to Hong Kong" of RTHK's Radio Three this (May 11) morning:

When SARS first broke out, neither Hong Kong nor the world knew what this disease was. Since then, we've been moving forward through experience. I'm optimistic that we have now passed the peak of infection. It appears that we've managed to contain the spread of the virus, and that the situation is more or less stabilized. In the process, our medical research and treatment experience have gained international recognition.

When we look back on the past couple of months, we see that Hong Kong has gone through a very difficult period with a show of strength. First, we've maintained a good level of hospital services despite the tremendous pressure imposed on our medical system -- although not without some radical adjustments here and there, such as the temporary closure of accident and emergency wards.

The legal system has been well respected by both the Administration and the people. All the measures we've taken are based on the law. Those people affected by isolation orders have, on the whole, been cooperative, for their own good and for the good of the community.

The majority of residents have reacted to the crisis in a rational manner. There have been understandable fears but no great panic. Law and order remain intact.

Our education, welfare, financial, business and transport systems have weathered the storm and continue to function well.

Our communication with the international community has been effective. The flow of information has been smooth. The Government's decisions have been made in a transparent way.

Our medical research is well recognised, and the selfless spirit of our frontline medical staff has been praised both here and abroad -- deservedly so.

Now the Government, with the community firmly behind us, is more than ever determined to clean up our living environment, including all the back alleys and black spots. We all know it's no easy task. But we're committed to do it, and we will.

SARS has prompted Hong Kong people to get to know their own city better. With more people cancelling their travel plans and shying away from crowded places, local tours have registered a big increase in business. People are appreciating the beauty of our country parks and the attractions of our outlying islands.

Hong Kong people are spending more time with their families and friends, and getting to know their neighbours better.

We are seeing a re-establishment of community and family relations.

For example, a family will have to be isolated if one of its members is infected. So families need to care for one another's health. This involves caring for oneself and for others, re-examining our environmental hygiene, and adjusting our living habits.

Within buildings and estates, families are joining hands to ensure the cleanliness of common areas, lift lobbies and corridors. They know that if one family is infected, the entire building will go on the infected list. This spirit of caring for others extends throughout neighbourhoods and the community as a whole.

There has been a lot of talk about community cohesiveness. A community forms into a cohesive group not because there's agreement on everything, nor because of self-interest. The unity of a community hinges on a common goal and people's involvement in action. Combating SARS is the common goal. The Clean Hong Kong campaign is one example of citizens caring for the environmental hygiene of the community. This is a demonstration of civic duty. The fight against SARS shows that our people understand their duties and responsibilities.

The degree of care that we show for others determines how well we can overcome challenges. SARS has shown that we're a caring society. Look at the donations and help offered by groups and individuals to our frontline staff, to the victims, to the families of victims, to the underprivileged. We should be proud of ourselves.

Some people have described Hong Kong as being adorned with gold ornaments on the outside, but lacking any foundation beneath. SARS has stripped away the gold ornaments on the outside. Inside Hong Kong we see a lot of lovely places, a lot of admirable people, a lot of touching stories of courage and decency.

Throughout the past two months, the community has given selfless support to one another. People have shown tremendous love and care for others. With our "can do" spirit, Hong Kong will emerge as a healthier, stronger and more mature World City.

My dear friends, let us walk through this difficult period hand in hand. Afterall Hong Kong is our home -- and always will be.