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have been given a functional seat and this has enhanced and strengthened Hong Kong's position as a financial centre. Also the sector has been encouraged to look beyond service for clients to shouldering greater community responsibility, contributing more to development in tax assessment and overall economic development.
way.
Sir, history is advancing and politics requires co-ordination. We should press ahead realistically. The White Paper expounds on present political environment and points the way forward on the road of constitutional reform in a practical and sure What needs to be done now is to get down to the specifics of building Hong Kong's future political system on the blue print provided in the White Paper. Discussions on politcal system have shifted towards the 14 basic law and into a new phase. The public should respond actively
in the up coming consultations and see to it that the promises made in t
Joint Declaration are fulfilled.
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Sir, with these remarks I support the motion.
HE: "Mr Kim Cham-
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MR. KIM CHAM: Sir, the publication of the White Paper marks a step forward in the evolution of our Government. Looking ahead more thoughts must be given to develop a government structure that conforms with the elected legislature as contained in the Joint Declaration. Specifically, our government structure must be accountable to the public and responsive to community needs. Above all, when its performance falls below public expectation some discipline must be imposed. Along this line, it is time for us to give serious consideration to the operation of our future Legislative Council. Some governments adopt a ministerial system, but surely, exact duplication of any model is inappropriate for Hong Kong. However, serious consideratio should be given to a select committee structure, evolving from our existing practice of standing panels and ad hoc groups. The existing 35 panels have already been examining policies and special issues in
depth, while our ad hoc groups have been scrutinising legislation after
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