+
20
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — 2nd October 1969.
[MR KAN] Motion
Sir, I do not speak out of a sense of complacency or self-gratification but of pride. But I do not want to say this. By our achievement we have shown the whole world that we are a people well capable of handling our own affairs.
I should like to make two points in this connexion. First, although in tackling problems which affect the United Kingdom our decisions should, of course, always take into account their interests, in tackling what are substantially our own problems we must have complete freedom to decide what is best for us. Our colonial status should not be an impediment to our economic and social advancement. The 19th Century colonial policy under which colonies were ruled by "remote control" has became obsolete and in my opinion no longer serves the best interest of either Britain or ourselves.
The second point is this. We are constantly criticized by Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom. However, those who are prone to find fault with us have little or no knowledge or under- standing of our problems. Incredible as it may seem, after a short visit of a few days they proffer facile solutions to difficulties which we have been trying to solve for years. One would have thought that they could profitably learn a great deal of Hong Kong's success-our initiative, our willingness to work and our determination to stand on our own feet. These are the qualities which have made Hong Kong what it is today.
Sir, when the new Standing Orders were introduced last October I expressed the view in this Council that they would give more scope and opportunities for Members to speak on matters of public interest*. Since then, Unofficial Members have taken full advantage afforded and if our Official Colleagues in this Council found the barrage of questions, not to speak of debates on adjournment, a little tiresome I can only say, Sir, that we were merely taking up the challenge of the then Colonial Secretary*. You. Sir, mentioned the 62 pieces of legislation which were passed in this Council during the year many of which have pro- found effect on the wellbeing of this community. The new Standing Orders have indeed given us better opportunities in debating on these enactments and other important public issues, and my Unofficial Colleagues and I are glad that we have been able to make our con- tributions in that regard.
Sir, the question of the need for an ombudsman has been raised once again. For the present, I do not wish to enter into this con- troversy; I believe my honourable Friend Mr P. C. Woo will be
* 1968 Hansard, pages 469 and 470.