(6)
GOVERNMENT
97.
(a) Executive and Legislative Councils
Turning now to our system of Government, there have
been recent changes in the composition of both the Executive
and Legislative Councils. Three new Unofficial members have
been appointed to the Executive Council, one Unofficial member
having retired. We welcome five new Unofficial members to this
Council, three of its former members having retired.
98.
The yet larger majority which the Unofficial members
now hold in these Councils means that, in seeking to formulate
policies and make laws which reflect the ambitions, the hopes
and best interests of all the people of Hong Kong, the
Administration and I have access to a still wider range of opinion and advice. I welcome this wider representation, and the improved links with the District Boards and the Urban Council which it provides.
99.
With such a diverse Chamber, I hope there will be even greater scope for the sort of lively debate which was recently
heard in this Council on the overall review of education. For
it is in debate that the
the work of this Council finds public
expression. It brings proof to the sceptics that the Unofficials who represent the public do understand and care about the issues of our society. It demonstrates the variety
of views which the community holds about those issues. Above all, it shows reason at work in the governance of our community and the power of persuasion in a free and open society.
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/ (b)
Urban