H. Sohmen
Draft Speech
Motion on Green Paper
16 July 1987
Ele G. Le you
sen,
The 1987 Review of Developments
in Representative Government
Sir,
In approaching this debate, I was reminded of a remark attributed to Clement Attlee: "Democracy means government by discussion but it is only effective if you can stop people from talking." Indeed, it seems to me that never before in Hong Kong have so many said so much to express so little to so few. My position on the vexed question of direct elections to this Council is well known, and I was tempted to say little more since very few new arguments have emerged since I addressed this subject in the Policy Debate last November. However, we have a duty to the people of Hong Kong to guide them on the pros and cons of the various options contained in the Green Paper, and I shall try to do so even it takes a little longer. Besides, I have always refused to be an ostrich.
We now have had serious discussions about constitutional reform.
in Hong Kong for about six years, and have lived with some reforms for two years.
We seem to get lost more and more in rhetoric without getting any closer to what I consider are viable and
practical solutions in Hong Kong's best interests. This should not be surprising, since we are engaged in several layers of debate, are using clichés borrowed from other places, and are indulging in hypocrisy. To me it is a matter of people sleeping in the same bed but having totally different dreams. naturally adds to the confusion when they wake up.
It
The problem with this debate also rests in the political environment which has hitherto shaped the territory and in the mentality and cultural background of the people of Hong Kong. They traditionally look to authority for guidance but in this instance are not given
Instead they are confronted with catch-phrases and vague assurances that democracy will produce greater security in the face of uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the transfer of sovereignty. There is also an almost instinctive tendency by
any.