UKAF SPEECH BY HON ANDREW WONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL - 25.3.1987
Official Languages (Amendment) Bill 1986 and the Interpretation and
General Clauses (Amendment) (No.3) Bill 1986
sir,
I rise in support of the two Bills the Official Languages (Amendment) Bill 1986 and the Interpretation and General Clauses (Amendment) (No.3) Bill 1986 which give effect to the implementation of the bilingual law project so necessary for the continued stable development of Hong Kong towards 1997 and beyond.
Although there might be hiccups insofar as to the interpretation of what the law really says once we have authentic versions in both English and Chinese, I have to say that the promulgation of an authentic version of the law in Chinese is the most appropriate first step to be taken in order to solve the problem which in a way resembles a viscious circle in that it provides a necessary impetus. One might reasonably argue that perhaps we should as a first step train more bilingual lawyers. But given human inertia, this particular strategy is more akin to wishful thinking.
Here, I also wish to reiterate my point made last July at the Adjournment Debate on Laws in Chinese, that is, the priorities listed in the discussion paper are basically correct. I personally believe that the exercise, at least in the beginning, should be regarded as a "trial and error" or better "trial and amend" process. I therefore consider, and I quote, that "the first and most suitable experiment being of course to make new laws in both languages. This is certainly the best way for the staff and members of the Legislative Council to realise and grasp the subtleties behind the laws.
(I)
0627S
With these remarks, Sir, I beg to support the motion.