(d) infiltration of the system and suppression of dissent by pressure or
fear is a great danger.
Cannot endorse the Agreement or commend it to the people of Hong Kong. Will therefore abstain.
16 October 1984
15. MR. K. C. CHAN
Uncertainty over the future has caused a 107.9 per cent increase in the number of emigrants in the past five years.
The competitive edge may be worn off our industries by the loss of the entrepreneurs who operate the many small manufacturing establish- ments employing under 50 workers.
Over 2.7 million people in Hong Kong had experience with political turmoils in China in the past, they will never believe in China's promises.
The ceiling placed on the sale of land does not boost confidence and means there is a lack of trust between the Chinese and British Govern- ments; it also has undesirable implications for Hong Kong's Reserves and annual Budgets.
The Land Commission and the Joint Liaison Group are bound to interfere with the functions of the Hong Kong Government.
Cannot commend the Agreement nor foresee its full implementation without reservations; must therefore abstain from voting on the motion.
งา
16. MR. STEPHEN CHEONG
There are grounds for optimism about the future because:-
(a) the Agreement does far more to guarantee Hong Kong's institutions, rights and freedoms than do the present Letters Patent and Royal Instructions;
(b) the Chinese leaders have repeatedly publicised their firm commit-
ment to the one country, two systems" policy; and
te
(c) it is in China's interest that Hong Kong should continue to prosper
and be stable.
The autonomy that has been promised must not only be earned but should also be seen to be well deserved. Therein lies the best guarantee against possible undue interference from China.
Hong Kong should develop a system of government which as far as possible should eschew adversarial politics, and which should positively encourage citizens to voice their opinion.
The Basic Law should be formulated having full regard to informed public opinion in Hong Kong.
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