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NP 7
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interest, as that interest is perceived.
Accusations of betrayal
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or sell-out are therefore totally irresponsible and wholly waiveré demogogic in nature. At best, these attacks evidence the naty of people inexperienced in the affairs of state; but they are also indicative of a remarkable inability to accept and adjust to changing circumstances and to seek workable solutions on the basis of consensus. This is regrettable but perhaps unavoidabley and of course does not mean that differing views and their dissemination should be stifled, or that we can disregard sincere expressions of disappointment which undoubtedly are now part of the political landscape in Hong Kong. Plurality of opinion, unrestrained in expression, is one of the hallmarks of a free society and we must ensure that the authorities in China also understand that people
in Hong Kong seek preservation as a major test of the efficacy of the "two systems" arrangement for Hong Kong and that it is not a sign of disloyal or unpatriotic behaviour of hostile intent. This is particularly important as we approach the time of public debate on
the first draft of the Basic Law. And by the way, since it is one
of the White Paper's stated objectives to assure that the system in place before 1997 should permit the smooth transition in 1997 and the high degree of continuity thereafter, we are effectively already debating aspects of the future Basic Law today and tomorrow.
The controversy surrounding the contents of the White Paper and of the Green Paper and the Survey Office Report before it, have given birth to the stigmatic lables of democrats and 27 "antidemocrats" or con
conservatives" and liberals". These
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categoriaations are inappropriate in the Hong Kong context and tend to largely confuse the issues and misrepresent the views of the protagonists, particularly so outside Hong Kong. The practical attributes of western democracy undoubtedly exist in Hong Kong, although they are not institutionalised in the same form as in the
present mother country. And it is simplistic and misleading to
argue that the system of universal suffrage by itself would readily ensure greater local democracy, better representation, or a higher degree of accountability or greater autonomy after 1997. So tie