re Ling Nam University Students Union’s Concert on 17-4-15
RTHK asks:-
Regarding the Lingnan University Student Union controversy, The Pulse would like to ask some questions as below:
Why is this Lingnan student concert which was held inside the campus has draw your attention or NT Concern Group attention? Is it because the song that the band sings is related to police force?
Do you think that the university itself has its own mechanism to deal with student matters, it is not necessary for outside organisation to step in?
In your point of view, do you agree that the NT Concern group is repressing student’s freedom of speech, which they were only expressing their resentments toward the newly released political reform package.
In what ways that you think that the student or the band singing songs with foul language is breaching the law such as Section 17B of the Public Order Ordinance? Kindly explain.
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NTCG’s replies:-
Sorry for not being able to reply to your various questions earlier. Now I append my brief replies as follows:-
1 the incident has drawn to my attention is due to the power of media. Never under estimate that no matter how trivial a matter may seem, it would escalate and multiply through the influence of media. It is even worst when the matter itself is obnoxious and offensive.
The song struck me not simply because it is offensive to the police, nor is it just for repeating 16 times of “屌你老母＂or “Fuck the Police”. It is also indeed about the offensive contents, such as inciting others to “起你個底” and “就地正法”. It is provocative and inciting. That is an offence contrary to S17B.
According to S17B(2), “any person who is in any public place…uses…threatening, abusive and insulting words, with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or whereby a breach of the peace is likely to be caused, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine…and to imprisonment for 12 months.”
It is about the rule of law to protect others’ interest which is part of the public interest too.
2 yes! LNU has its own mechanism, council, senates and court to deal with their own affairs. But they are at the same time accountable to the public for any controversial incident that happen inside their campus. Hence, they should do what is expected to be up to the expectation of the public. In light of the unpleasant event, they should set up an inquiry to investigate into the matter. This actually is a practice commonly adopted by other universities too.
3 no! See the answer in 1 above.
4 pls see the answer in 1 above.
I hope the answers above have sufficiently spelled out the stance and position of NTCG clearly.