The Advisory Committee on the Promotion of the Fighting Spirit Against SARS is gauging public views on how to commemorate the unique and wonderful qualities Hong Kong people demonstrated during the crisis.

Launching a consultative document today, Secretary for Home Affairs and committee chairman Dr Patrick Ho said SARS has affected our lives.

Any activity promoting the spirit demonstrated in the SARS fight should reflect the common wish of all Hong Kong citizens, he added.

At the meeting on June 12, the committee noted that Hong Kong has shown the world that we are a society with values such as professionalism, caring with solidarity and a good sense of public hygiene.

Hong Kong people are also civic-minded.

The committee has put forth proposals to commemorate the spirit, including:

* designating a day on which activities, such as a community clean-up, are organised;

* setting up a memorial plaque;

* recording SARS stories;

* re-naming buildings;

* setting up scholarships or trust funds; and

* awarding honours and decorations.

Dr Ho believed that it is time to seek public views on the issue so that the committee can finalise the details and start preparations.

The consultation document has been uploaded onto the advisory committee's website.  Views can be sent to the Home Affairs Bureau by July 10 through email to fight-sars@hab.gov.hk or by fax, to 2537 6319.

Members of the public are also welcome to express their views at three forums to be held at the Hong Kong Central Library, Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Kwai Tsing Threatre on June 24, 26 and 27, respectively.

For enquiries, please call 2810 3115.