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It enshrines powers which we adjudge necessary for the orderly and efficient conduct of this Council.
holy writ and if our successors do not like it, liberty to amend or repeal it as they see fit.
But it is not
they will be at
It has been argued that the President's powers under the Bill are too wide and too strong. But they are in fact in many respects more constrained than those the President has hitherto enjoyed under the existing Standing Orders. Moreover, the argument presumes the Unofficial Members have no role to play. The exercise of official powers will always be monitored by the Members of this Council. Elected Members will be joining in October and it will be the duty of this Council to ensure the powers provided under the Bill are never misused.
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Sir, it will be obvious that we have carefully examined this Bill in the light of all the representations we have received our ad hoc Group in particular has worked tirelessly and we are unanimous in our support for its provisions. It is a Hong Kong issue; an issue for the people of Hong Kong. It is our avowed objective that Hong Kong people should be left to manage their own affairs and it is regrettable that some critics have chosen to seek outside support for their views. It is also to be deplored that others have chosen to make personal attacks on individual Members of this Council who gain nothing from resistance to vocal and often emotional sectoral interests and seek only to discharge their duties in good faith and in the best interests of the community.
Sir, I support the motion.