10
There is every likelihood that no single political
group, or coalition of groups, will be able to control the
majority of seats (and for any length of time if at all) on
the Legislative Council. Therefore, to ensure cohesion and
stability, the Chief Executive, who is the Governor, should
retain the power to propose the nomination of and withdrawal
of the name of any member (except ex-officio members in the
run-up to 1997) from the Executive Council.
A system of checks and balances would be operating
whereby such appointments by the Chief Executive would be
subject after 1997 to the approval of the Central People's
Government.
A well-integrated Executive Council such as I have
just described would make for good long-term planning and
decisive implementation of policies. Such in turn would
ensure:
Firstly, the smooth transfer of sovereignty of a
stable and prosperous Hong Kong to China in 1997;
Secondly, all changes during the transition period
would not merely be for the sake of change, but for the
purpose of preserving local confidence, strengthening
the Hong Kong systems and life style, and
Thirdly, promoting greater participation by Hong
Kong people in China's modernization programme and Open
Door Policy.
/China