Letter to the Editor: Welfare benefits for elderly in Hong Kong The proposing review over the present Social Security Allowance Scheme by the government has already created much discomfort to the elder generation. Currently, people over the age of 70 are eligible for such an allowance, gives them approximately 700 dollars a month in assistance to their daily expenditures. However, this may not last long. In view of the record-high government deficit in the previous financial year, our smart Social Welfare Department has shown us its exceptionally quick response. Ms. Lam, head of the department, has thrown out her intentions to cut down the allowance rate and add more limitations to the scheme. We know that it is not her own will. We are quite sure that she had received much pressure from her upper ranks, probably from the CEO of our region. The spirit for the setting up of the SSA scheme is to show our regards to those who had contributed to the development of this Asian World City. It should be given out from within the heart. Sadly, what the government is doing right now seems to be suggesting that they are really giving out a great blessing, adding as an extra burden for the government. Therefore, the SAR is trying to legitimize its attempt to cut down the allowance amount. With a continual decrease in general price level, the government finds nothing wrong to lower the SSA according to the deflation index Seems very beautiful? But later when you find out how insignificant the effect on the government budget balance, you will then notice how silly Mr. Tungs government is. Today, we have a population of about 7 million. Out of it, less than 10 per cent are eligible for the allowance. And out of that 10%, only less than 60% are receiving the allowance. Say if the allowance were to be reduced by 2% as the deflation rate, by how many per cent of money would me saved in contrast to the whole deficiency? Its only 0.2%! Moreover, didnt the government realize that many poor old people unwilling to take the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) are actually depending on the allowance to sustain their living? If a cut down were made, this would be causing indirect murdering of those people. Facts speak for themselves. What the government is doing is to unload its responsibilities. The general public is now being provoked into an impression that old people is a parasite living in the society, which hinders the bounce back of Hong Kong. History repeats itself. This strategy is doomed to failure. The only reason they use this tactics may be they have underestimated the ability or determination of the old people in voicing out for justice. May be they think were physically weaker. Our brain runs slow. Thats where the discrimination lies. In solving the economic problem, we suggest the government to allocate more resources on welfare benefits. By this, at the same time, more jobs will be created together with a deeper care to the elderly. It is called to kill two birds with one stone. We do not want your pity but your care; Old does not mean out, we have our accumulated experience that you, the younger generation doesnt possess Be serious in handling the current situation, or else you will be condemned through the ages. Yours faithfully, KING HO CHEUNG