· 16 -
A
8)
give rise to changes. Hence, 'reforms towards prosperity' will bring about turbulences, or even chaos. Moreover, in a speech titling 'Looking towards the Future' delivered by Mr XU Jiatun in early August, he suggested that excessive reforms would undermine the original framework of society. The words of both 'Old Mr JI' and 'Uncle XU' carried the threat' that reforms would bring about chaos. Between prosperity and reforms, it can thus be reckoned that Beijing will choose the former. But stability and prosperity are the result of social and economic activities which, to a great extent, require the practice of freedom and rule of law and which, in turn, rely on a democratic system
for protection.
Referendum: In many countries and regions in the world, major decisions relating to the people are made by referendum. Take Puerto Rico for example. When the country decided to join the commonwealth of the U.S., a referendum was held. A second referendum was held when the Constitution was passed. After the Constitution had been amended by the U.S. congress, another referendum was
The lesson held by the constitution-formulating committee.
that Hong Kong can learn from this example is that since the Joint Declaration reached through the Sino-British talks has determined the political allegiance of Hong Kong, a referendum is the best way to determine the acceptability
of the Basic Law which is to be passed as the 'mini constitution' of Hong Kong after 'three ups and three downs', and there is no reason to do away with such a measure.
The needless duplication of organizations like Drafting Committee and Consultative Committee for the formulation of the Basic Law is beset with difficulties from the outset, but thorny problems are still ahead. The dealings between China and Hong Kong on the issue of Basic Law will mainly hinge on whether Hong Kong people will put up a fight or give way on some 'bottom lines'.