Survey says People give EOC Fail Grade

More than half of the respondents think that the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) cannot eliminate discrimination, according to a surveyconducted by the non-governmental organization Movement AgainstDiscrimination.

Tse Wing-ling, spokesman of the group, said that about 90% of the respondents cannot state correctly the functions of EOC, and about 70%said that EOC cannot eliminate discrimination of the society. This shows that promotion of EOC is inadequate and EOC should strengthen contact with thegrassroots, including community centres and schools.

Concerning the performance of EOC, the average mark given by the respondents is 48, a "fail" grade. Tse Wing-ling also criticized thestyle of the chairperson of EOC as too conservative and low-profile, and cannot promptly respond to social issues. But spokesman from EOC said that as a responsible Commission, they must investigate every issue thoroughlybefore they give any comment.