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Communist Papers
The two leading left-wing papers Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po said in their editorials that the composition of the Basic Law drafting committee had included people from different strata of the community and from different fields. It had reflected the spirit of representativeness for pooling different ideas and the people of HK would find it acceptable. Wen Wei Po explained the need to include people from trade and industry in the committee by pointing out the importance of their role in a capitalist
economy.
Ta Kung Pao said the formal approval of the membership list was a significant development for HK in preparation for a smooth transfer of power in 1997 following the exchange of instruments of ratification of the Joint Declaration. The Chinese members included officials well versed in HK affairs and experts in their own fields while the 23 HK members came from different walks of life. It was believed they would be able to contribute to HK's bright future. The drafting committee would hold its first meeting in early July in Peking. The people of HK earnestly hoped that this good beginning would benefit HK's stability and prosperity.
Wen Wei Po said the Basic Law was expected to be ready in five years. The changes about the number of HK members on the committee as rumoured during the course of preparing the membership list and the inclusion of 23 HK people in the final membership demonstrated Peking's respect for HK people's wishes and its sincerity in implementing the "HK people ruling HK" plan. Political talent would emerge in HK to shoulder the task of self-rule as a result of their participation in drafting the Basic Law and other political activities. As HK would remain a capitalist society in the next 62 years, the inclusion of people from trade and industry in the drafting committee would be for the good of prosperity and stability as they would be the prime movers behind the economy. But there was no intention of denying the role of grassroots elements in society. The important thing was how cooperation between capitalists and workers could be achieved for the good of both sides.
The paper said people commenting on the appropriateness of the membership list should base their comments on whether the members were patriotic, loved HK and sought to work for the reunification of China and for the maintenance of HK's stability and prosperity in the interests of the majority of HK people. One should recognise that the members had in the past shown that they had fulfilled these requirements. That was why the members had the support of HK people.
There would inevitably be differences of opinion during the drafting process, the paper said. But with the reunification of China and the prosperity of HK at heart, all differences could be resolved.