made directly accountable
Lo
the people of Hong Kong.
The second objective is to provide for changes
for changes in the
composition and method of selection of the Legislative
Council which will ensure that its membership is broadly
based, and which will minimise any tendency to factional
politics and divisiveness. The third objective is to
provide a compatible foundation for any necessary and
desirable further developments in the composition and
method of selection of the Legislative Council in later
years.
7.
three
was that the more
To achieve these three objectives,
principles were borne in mind when the plans in the
White Paper were being finalised. The first principle
borne in mind and very much SO
representative system of government being sought should
not put at risk
risk those factors which have long secured
the social and political stability and the economic
prosperity of Hong Kong. The second principle borne in
mind was that the system should be developed gradually
and progressively. The third principle borne in mind
was that the system should be based, as far as possible,
on our existing institutions and should preserve
preserve their
best features, including the well-established practice
of government by consultation and consensus.
obvious implications of this third principle are that a
continuing place must be found for appointed members and
that a reasonable balance must be struck in the
Two
membership of the Legislative Council between elected,
appointed and official members.