HONG KONG: Secondary school students are getting a comic book from the government to sugarcoat the bland numbers soon to be laid out for the people of Hong Kong in next year's budget. The 120-page tome features the undergrad hero "Yat" and his friends as they struggle with crunching numbers to balance the books of their university's student association.

Published by the Financial Secretary's Office, the comic book aims to encourage young people to express their opinions about the 2010-11 budget and cultivate their interest in public affairs. It is the second edition for the consultation comic book.

"We are conducting consultations on the 2010-11 budget," Financial Secretary John Tsang said. "Young people are the future leaders of our community and their interests in public affairs should be cultivated."

"It does attract young people," said Wesley Cheng, a Form 5 student at St. Paul's Co-educational College in Central. "I have also noticed the promotion video by the government which seems to be a more efficient way to promote the idea of the budget. I think the government is making an effort to send a message to the public."

Ivan Choy Chi-keung, senior instructor of the Department of Government and Public Administration of the Chinese University of Hong Kong thinks the government is trying to encourage the young generation to participate in public affairs.

"The sense of alienation toward public affairs among young people is a bit strong," Choy said. "By publishing the comic book the government hopes young people can get more involved in public affairs."

Choy suggests the government hold some meetings with young people and have a face to face conversation.

Clement Y. K. So, director of the School of Journalism and Communication of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the idea of the consultation comic book was not a bad one and the government can foster a younger image among young people.

"The government is using an alternative way to get in touch with the young people," So said. "It shows that it is taking initiative to connect with the younger generation."

So thinks the content of the comic should be more exciting instead of a traditional and monotone story. He says comic books may not be the most popular media and the government may need to create a consultation animation.

A total of 30,000 copies of the comic book will be distributed to secondary schools across Hong Kong. Each comic book comes with a bookmark showing a cartoon image of John Tsang. Limited copies will also be available from the Public Enquiry Service Centre of the Home Affairs Department starting from today on a first-come-first-served basis. You can also read an online version of it at the budget website www.budget.gov.hk.

(HK Edition 01/15/2010 page1)