overseas media on Falun Gong

The SAR government deserves full credit and public support when it performs in the best interests of the public.

In the case of Falun Gong, which has been held accountable for more than 1,000 deaths on the mainland, it is only responsible for the SAR government to give a timely alert to Hong Kong people of the potential danger from the cult's presence in their backyard. And so Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa was not just wise but duty-bound to issue a warning.

The tragic experiences of hundreds of Falun Gong followers on the mainland is a record of flesh and blood, and broken families.

No criticism of the government is justified when they have tried to save lives and families.

Although Falun Gong has been banned on the mainland since 1999, the SAR government, up until now, has opted to monitor the cult instead of rushing a bill through the legislature to outlaw it.

This has been made possible by the principle of "one country, two systems" and a high degree of autonomy as bestowed on the SAR by the Basic Law.

Under this constitutional arrangement, the SAR government is given the full rein to handle regional affairs in conformity with local circumstances.

The different approaches towards Falun Gong by the central and local governments are the best demonstration of the scale of autonomy enjoyed by Hong Kong.

The SAR government has been exercising this autonomy in a responsible, prudent and rational way and to the best interest of the public.

Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung had it right: the fact that the Central People's Government is not intervening shows that it adheres to the concept of "one country, two systems", that it well understands the situation of Hong Kong and has confidence in Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong.

All members of the public with a sense of righteousness need now to render their support to the government which is pursuing a course most beneficial to Hong Kong.