Friendly visit
"Yau Tsim has a fascinating and cosmopolitan mix of numerous ethnic groups including Hong Kong residents and visitors. For many of them, especially those coming from South Asia, a visit to the mosque is a solemn daily ritual. The daily visit not only serves a profound spiritual function but also provides an opportunity to exchange views and news of their community.
"The purpose of our visit is to enhance mutual understanding. We also stressed our commitment to impartial and fair policing for the benefit of all," Mr Bicknell said.
He noted that Hong Kong remained one of the freest and most open societies in the world where every individual had the right of expression.
"It is important that we are tolerant of different views and that we do not infringe the rights or freedoms of other people while expressing our views," Mr Bicknell added.
Citing a recent public gathering organised by some regular worshippers of the Mosque calling for a peaceful solution to the Afghanistan problem, Mr Bicknell noted that it was through the close cooperation between officers of Tsim Sha Tsui Division and the organisers that the event was conducted smoothly.
