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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — 14 March 1984
Through this congruence of interest, the stability and prosperity of Hong can be maintained and the well being of its citizens will be enhanced.
g
The fact that the two Governments are at the negotiating table and are conducting an on-going dialogue clearly demonstrates their goodwill and sincerity to work for a most suitable solution in line with their common objective, viz., the maintenance of stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
Sir, I am aware that no political or social system can work successfully without the whole-hearted support of its citizens. Nor can any political or social system function effectively without the conscientious participation of its citizens.
Therefore, it is the duty of each citizen, who shares an interest in our future well being, to look forward and to strive to build up mutual trust based on mutual interest and to strengthen their determination and work positively for stability and prosperity. We should take the challenge of the future in our stride, for no society ever remains static, the world is constantly evolving and changing. Hong Kong will not only be influenced by its new environment in future. The point I wish to emphasize is the fact that Hong Kong will definitely adapt to the new environment, benefit from it, and contribute to it as well. I wish to emphasis that Hong Kong will exert its influential effect as well.
It is the responsibility of this Council to work for the well being of Hong Kong. I am aware that there are many channels for the citizens to express their views on the future and I endorse the spirit of this motion that this Council is an important forum to reflect the views of the citizens and to assist the formulation of a most suitable agreement.
Sir, I support the motion.
MR. BROWN: Sir, I like to think that I am an honest and fair minded man, and as such I have taken very seriously those suggestions and comments that question whether the future of this territory shoud be debated in this Council, or indeed whether it should be debated at all by nominated Councillors.
Lacking any electoral mandate members can hardly claim to represent at least in the sense that the word is used in representative democracies-the whole body of our citizens. But we make no such claim. We do believe, however, that collectively, drawn as we are from such differing parts and sections of the community, we reflect and reflect correctly—the views of many.
Since this Council was formed members have been required to try and think and speak for the interests of the community as a whole as they see it, and not for the narrow interest of a party, a group, a profession, an area or a class. Although the primary role of the Legislative Council is legislative scrutiny and the control of public expenditure, the philosophical and creative role of members is also important, and this, of course, was pointed out by our previous
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