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moved slowly. If, for quite long periods of time, we have seemed to stand still, that has been due, at least in part, to our geo-political circumstances. And by no stretch of the imagination have we been governed unsuccessfully.
4.
You said, Sir, when you introduced this Green Paper, that the first aim of the proposals was "to develop a system of government which is firmly rooted in our community; on which the views of the community are fully represented; and which is more
If this aim is directly accountable to the people of Hong Kong". not realised and in respect of each of the three elements, then, whatever version of these proposals goes through, we shall have a mirage not a reality.
5.
The
I should like to deal with each of these three elements separately: to begin with the foundations of our government. quality and effectiveness of any form of elected government depends on freedom from outside interference and on the quality and commitment of those who stand for election. But, above all, it depends on the good sense and critical judgment of those who are called upon to vote for them.
6.
In Hong Kong as elsewhere, the effectiveness of an elected legislature will depend on the interest shown by the electorate. If the majority of voters fail to vote when they have the opportunity, then we shall have elected an
That would be a unrepresentative legislature and government. disastrous outcome. Mr Denis Bray in a speech in June referred to a disturbing statistic: in the 1982 District Board elections As Mr 87 per cent of those who could have voted did not do so. Bray went on to say, if these people continue to stay away in future elections, then any claim to representative status by those elected by 13 per cent will look rather unconvincing, but through no fault of their own.