To:
(Translation)
Members of the local media
Government departments concerned Chinese and British authorities Councillors
Wishes of local people and our proposals
Seen from public opinion survey in Yaumati/Tsimshatsui
We conducted a survey in Yaumati South and Tsimshatsui by means of questionnaire. A total of some 1,800 returns were received and the answers were subject to careful analysis. As the answers were given anonymously, they were genuine and sincere.
85% of the respondents felt that Hongkong should be administered by Hongkong people after 1997, but only 72% accepted self-rule, while 12% accepted it in part and 2% did not accept it at all. This shows that some people are doubtful and lack confidence.
On the question of choosing the members of the highest policy- making bodies in Hong Kong after 1997, 73% of the respondents said that all should be chosen by democratic election, while 15% chose 'by con- sultation with representative bodies'. This shows that changes during the transition period should be gradual since people cannot adapt easily to abrupt changes. Besides, Hongkong people have been subject to colonial education for too long. They have little knowledge of democracy and are not used to speaking up and acting courageously. It is believed that the student unions of the Hongkong University and Chinese University will have a significant role to play in future.
As for worries after Hongkong is administered by Hongkong people, 88% of the respondents worried about a drop in living standard, while 2% did not worry and 10% had no comment. 90% of the respondents worried about drastic changes in the economic system, 3% did not worry and 7% had no comment. Hong Kong is a world financial centre and it is essential that the territory's prosperity and stability must be maintained.
This, we believe, is an important item in the agenda of the Sino-British talks and should be taken into consideration when drafting the basic law for Hong Kong.
On the question of measures to be adopted by the authorities concerned during the transition period, 82% of the respondents chose 'gradual democratisation (e.g. electing members to Legco and Exco)', 85% chose 'improve the people's livelihood (in terms of housing, social welfare, medical service, etc.)', and 84% chose 'expedite the grooming of future leaders for Hong Kong'. Most of the respondents shared the same view on these three points. This is also what the Hongkong govern- ment and local people should strive to achieve. The Government should be urged to maintain its present administrative efficiency and to continue developments. Everyone should remain loyal to his post. Hong Kong's