Apathy of the
roolis
ONCE
publ
again 3 debate has started on The composition of the Legslative Council. Urban Councillor Mr Hilton Cheong-Leen's proposal that Urbeo members be given seats in Legco dearly means one thing. Hongkong needs
a
Governmental reform that will allow people's representation in policy making.
Tius issue has come up for
public debate many times. Every time, the debate failed to reach a definite conclusion. However, the criticism
that Mr Cheong-Leen has met from some Legco members is no answer to the basic issue.
It could certainly be argued i hat Mr Choong-Leen's proposal is tantamount to questioning the Legoo set-up and is 2 reflection on its members.
But such an argument should not prevent Legco and the Government from asking themselves whether Hongkong really needs # constitutional change. The time for such an examination, in fact, has come. Many arguments have been put forward in the past against elected
representation in
Legco.
They cover the lack of
public support for the present Urbco where limited franchise is allowed as well as such utopian theories as only financially well-to-do people can devote their time 10 unpaid public service. Neither of these arguments is convincing enough to exclude elected representation in
Legco.
First of all, countries which are economically far more backward than Hongkong provide adequate funds to pay handsome allowances
people
representatives clected to tackle public affairs. Secondly, the lack of
public support for the Urbon election itself is
clear indication of public disenchantment towards Hongkong's constitutional make-up, Urbco elections have failed and will continue to fail
gather popularity because the powers entrusted with Urbco arc so limited that they bear relation to the problems which the voters need solved. Urboo's Czin areas of
activity
issuing
hawkers' licences and
maintaining public amenities like parks and beaches.
These activities seldom all
interest the voters tax-payers belong to an economic bracket starting from the middle-class upwards. But it would be a different story if hawkers, slum dwellers and Hongkong's poor were allowed to vote. It is worth examining whether Hongkong must continue to practise the concept *No representation without taxation'. But whatever principle is accepted for
representation, it is important for Hongkong's future
Success
allow
people's representatives into the policy making chambers.
Reference
things
Kong
川
Standar
April 6,19
ра
BIL
DO 877152 134596 500M 2/72 GM 3643/
Page 75Page 76