resolution. The Ad hoc group has never questioned the weight of District Board members views even when there was no formal
resolution. It seems clear that even if we delayed the bill for another 2 weeks we will still fail to satisfy everyone. Different groups are now looking for different issues in this bill. We must take a long cool look at its provisions, which are now trimmed down to retaining the basic minimum powers needed for this Council to regulate its own affairs and perform its investigatory function as the highest legislative body in this territory, and make the necessary decision to pass the
bill.
our successors.
The future Legislative Council can amend or repeal this piece of legislation as they see fit; none of us can bind Although our critics have asked for deferment until there are elected members in this Council, may I say that it is always open to the Legislative Council in November 1985 to amend this bill according to the needs of circumstances.
the President.
Let us
The third issue I need to deal with are the powers of
There is still a lot of questions as to how the President may exercise his powers and whether it is open to him to abuse the powers conferred upon him by this bill. now examine the facts before us. Your Excellency is the President of this Council exercising the powers vested in you by the Royal Instructions and Letters Patent as the Governor. By November 1985, 24 elected unofficial members will join this Council. The affairs of this Council will be conducted under your leadership and I see no danger of any abuse of power. we should then look a few years forward when a President is elected by members of this Council, this President must act in a fair, responsible and reasonable manner and under the scrutiny of all the members. Again, there should be very little danger of abuse of power by the President. Many critics of this bill fear that the President may be an appointed tyrant to defeat justice and freedom. If so, the Legislative Council can no doubt amend this bill and strip him of his powers.
If
The