One Pen Ma -- Power Abuse

Clear Newspaper 1/19 2012
One Pen Ma column
Steven Ma

Power Abuse 濫權
A famous shop (tn: in HK) forbidding only Hong Kong people from taking pictures has caused quite an uproar. I only knew of it through the news as I was not there at the time the incident happened, therefore, I will not comment on it. However, I feel it is worthwhile to examine into the deeper layer of this incident.

Power abuse, a mistake that is easily made by humans; in its more serious form, it can be a crime/sin. No exaggeration there, whether a mistake or a crime/sin, will have to view from the person of power’s position. For example, a homemaker’s excessive power, she can control the daily food and beverage consumption of her husband and children. They have no power to choose, is this mistake a crime/sin? It’s neither, it’s a blessing! Because I believe all mothers will use their excessive power to choose the healthiest and the best ingredients to cook dishes from their heart to feed their families.

Then, what if the people with excessive power are the supervisors, creditors? Or the government, or government officials? Or wealthy businessmen whose influences are even greater than the government, big conglomerates? Then, as an insignificant common citizen, what to do then?

Report! At this time, reporting will expose the face of ugliness. Of course, not just talking about this photo taking prohibition incident. I hope the media will continue to use its strength to expose evil deeds, to fight for fairness and justice on behalf of society and people!