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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 14 March 1984
故於此時此地,香港人必須站起來,盡己所能,不應單為自己前途着想,更應為別人著 想,盡量提出建設性之意見,不應採取逃避現實態度,反要積極展望將來。如此,香 有前途可言。
本人謹此陳辭,支持該項動議。
The following is the interpretation of what Mr. YEUNG Po-kwan said.)
Sir, a Hong Kong resident, whether he was born here or has lived here for a long time, is bound to have a deep feeling about Hong Kong, and is naturally anxious about the future of Hong Kong. I firmly believe that all Hong Kong people wish to preserve the personal freedom and their present life style and look forward earnestly to maintaining Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. I believe that whatever form the agreement is going to take, if the objective is correct, the results should not disappoint the people of Hong Kong.
The main objective of any administration should be for the good of the people. The negotiation between China and Britain on the future of Hong Kong concern the personal interests of over five million Hong Kong residents. However, for reasons of confidentiality, the five million people could not help feeling apprehensive during the past year or so. They tried to guess from press reports or from second hand information, or make private plans for themselves and their families. This situation is absolutely unsatisfactory. If it is allowed to develop either visibly or invisibly during the coming 13 years, this will not be to the good of Hong Kong. To reinforce Hong Kong people's confidence is therefore of utmost importance at present, about which not a moment should be lost.
The present motion simply hopes that the Hong Kong people will grasp the opportunity to express directly their views, and I trust the associated debate will strengthen the public's confidence.
Hong Kong people should 'hold fast to the present and strive for the future'. Now is the time to get down to work without illusions; to improve themselves whilst the opportunity presents itself so as to adequately prepare for the future.
The time has come when Hong Kong people should not adopt a negative or impractical attitude towards the question of Hong Kong's future. On the contrary they should search their hearts to find out whether as one of Hong Kong's citizens, have they contributed to Hong Kong in the past or at present? If so, whether Hong Kong's future will need their even greater support? If they feel that their personal efforts are only negligible, should they not double their efforts in spirit and energy to make them effective? Every one should believe that he is an important element in this community and should realize that every minute contribution counts. He should further realize that he is a pillar of the 'Hong Kong House' and should refrain from thinking that it would not matter with one pillar less, and thus belittling himself by relying on others, while he remains a spectator on the ringside. Every one should understand that with a pillar less, the support to the structure will be reduced by that much, which will at the end endanger the safety of that structure.
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