29.
The differences of opinion voiced in the Legislative Council
on the direction which further political reforms should take is a measure of the considerable public interest in these issues which is now being focussed on the forthcoming review of representative
government.
The issue attracting the greatest attention, particularly in the media, is whether an element of direct elections to the Legislative Council should be introduced, and, in particular, whether they should be introduced in 1988. Opinion on the issue is
divided. The Hong Kong
Kong Government has not taken any view on what the outcome of the 1987 review should be. Its aim will be to seek
the widest possible public
it response, SO as to ensure that take full account of all shades of Hong Kong opinion in considering what changes, if any, are required as a result of the review.
30.
can
The publicity surrounding the work of the Basic Law Drafting Committee has stimulated public debate on the question of further
political reform. The Basic Law will not come into force until 1 July 1997. Nevertheless, the importance of achieving compatibility between the structure of government as it continues to evolve up to 1997 and the structure of the future Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government after 1997, is widely understood by
the community.
·
VI.
CIVIL SERVICE
Localisation
31.
the
in
some
Although there has been no major change in the Hong Kong Government's Localisation policy in the past two decades, practice of giving suitable Local candidates preference appointment to recruitment ranks has continued to bear fruit as of these officers have acquired experience and have been promoted through the ranks. In the senior management/professional grades Locat officers now hold over 70% of the 1,500 posts whilst directorate (ie most senior) ranks, the proportion has reached 50%. that of the 940 positions. The Hong Kong Government is confident t
the
the current policy
tan continued application of
policy will enable top posts to be filled by local officers in the years before 1997