1854
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
**♬ 1099
--ae iu senɑ my support to the suggestion put forward by some Members contained in paragraph 4 of the Appendix to the draft Basic Law with reference to the message for the formation of the first Government of the SAR, which states, and I quote:
'Persons who are members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council in June 1997 shall automatically become members of the first Legislature of Hong Kong SAR on 1st July 1997 and serve to the end of their term. Except for the ceremony of pledging their loyalty to the Hong Kong SAR there shall be no particular arrangement'.
Subsequent to their swearing in, if I may add, members of the first SAR legislature can then proceed to elect their Chief Executive.
Lastly, Sir, a word on the consultation process. Apart from the OMELCO Constitutional Development Panel, this Council, and some relevant govern- ment personell. I have not yet come across one person, who has read the draft from start to finish. It is not up to me to guess the reasons, but the fact re- mains and it is unsatisfactory. I suggest that both the Drafting Committee and the Consultation Committee of the Basic Law have a responsibility to explain the draft to the people in a fair and objective manner. The document itself is too complex and detailed for the layman to comprehend fully. It is therefore ex- tremely important for those familiar with the document to explain the thinking behind the draft without clouding that explanation initially with their own convictions. The wishes of the people must be based on their own knowledge, understanding and reason. The education process cannot be skipped. No amount of television advertising to project the beautiful image of the Basic Law can fulfil this basic, down-to-earth, and absolutely vital function. In spite of the extensive coverage in the media every day, I do not believe there is as yet adequate involvement and identification on the part of the community. This problem must be recognised and rectified.
Sir, I support the motion.
MISS TAM (in Cantonese): Sir, my participation in the Constitutional Develop- ment Panel study of the draft Basic Law is only limited to the analysis of Chapters I, II, IX and a small portion of Chapters IV and V. In order to maintain a more detached position, I refrained from discussion once the panel started summarising its views, so today I will only be expressing my personal opinions.
The Sino-British Joint Declaration was formally signed on 29 December 1984. The Joint Declaration and Annex I contained mainly details expounding the concept of two systems. As for the concept of one country, we only have several clauses touching on its principle. First the Government of The People's Republic of China has decided to resume the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong with effect from I July 1997. Second, in accordance with the provisions of article 31 of the Constitution of the PRC, a Hong Kong Special Administrative