HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 14 March 1984
55
本人上述各點,與各資深議員先前所言不謀而合,這正好說明本局議員都抱着共同目標
香港繁榮安定及人民安居樂業而努力。
督憲閣下,本人借這機會,代表新界四十多萬居民,及其他新界人士向閣下致萬二分敬 意,因閣下到任以來,為我們的前途努力,不怕風、雨、雪,又常詢問我們的意見。本人 謹此陳辭,支持動議。
(The following is the interpretation of what Mr. Cheung said.
Sir, the motion introduced before this Council today has given rise to numerous comments from all quarters. This is understandable because we in Hong Kong have freedom of speech. Among such comments, there is a criticism that since the Legislative Council is not an elected body, its members cannot claim to represent the people of Hong Kong and it is inappropriate for us to debate on the future of Hong Kong in this Council. I am deeply concerned about these comments, and I am afraid I cannot agree to them.
I remember that a few months ago (on 21 October 1983), in the New Territories Day Memorial Rally organized by the Heung Yee Kuk, I appealed to some seven hundred village representatives, representatives of the rural committees and Members of the Heung Yee Kuk to seriously think about the issue of the future of Hong Kong and reflect their views positively. Recently, the Heung Yee Kuk has compiled representations containing the comprehensive views of the New Territories people to be submitted to the Chinese and British Governments for consideration. On the other hand, I have also contacted a number of organizations, including the New Territories General Chamber of Commerce, the N.T. Rotary Club, etc., to discuss and exchange views with them. I am aware that other Legislative Councillors have also sounded out public opinion through various ways. At the same time, the UMELCO has also received representations from social organizations as well as from individuals. From this we know Hong Kong people are deeply concerned with their future. Quite a number of people from all walks of life have already spoken out positively, which serve to reflect their acknowledgement to status of the Legislative Council and their expectations of Members of this Council.
The future of Hong Kong is an issue which is personal to every member of this community. It affects the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong in the future as well as the work and life of everyone of us. As a member of the Legislative Council and a member of the community, I deem it my duty to provide a channel of communication between the Government and the people. In this major historical event of Hong Kong and in this event of the century, Unofficial Members of this Council cannot remain silent or stay aloof. We are going to transform our concern into action. We would try our best to collect public opinion, overcome all difficulties, and work for the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and for the happiness and peaceful lives of the Hong Kong people.
Bearing these in mind and after considering the matter carefully and calmly over a period of time, the Unofficial Members have agreed to ask Mr. LOBO,