4
welfare and interests of all the citizens.
However, this can only be
fulfilled with the active support of all the Hong Kong citizens.
As regards the subject of election, every method of selection,
whether it be appointment, indirect election or direct election, has its
own merits and drawbacks. In theory, it would be the soundest idea if
the methods of appointment, indirect and direct election could be
incorporated into the future system of representative government in Hong
Kong. In fact, no matter which method will be used for the elections,
we should always uphold the principle of maintaining the stability and
prosperity of the society. The more meticulously we prepare for the
reforms, the less undesirable effects we shall get in future. The
crux in implementing a democratic system does not lie with the
introduction of direct elections, but rather with the participation of
those persons who would really work for the people. Direct election and
indirect election are just two different election methods. Therefore,
to introduce direct elections is not the foremost requisite for the
implementation of a democratic system for the most important thing
should be to elect, by means of these two methods, some able persons who
would really work for the people. As the Hong Kong government is now
proceeding towards the goal of building up a democratic society, those
who are with insight and are enthusiastic to serve the people should put
their enthusiasm into practice. They should realize that "it is never
too late if one has set one's mind on doing a thing", and start to serve
the people by participating in the work of the District Boards or some
local organisations or civic bodies. When all the preparation work has
ripe,
been done and the conditions are
the Government should
/P.5.....
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