1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
2222
29
30
31
32
33
decisively. At some risk to its credibility, the Administration has foregone the chance to design a comprehensive and inherently consistent plan for representative government based on the
consultative system and one that would be both practical and truly suited to Hong Kong's unique environment in favour of just
€ another short term and impractical expedient. The result is not greater certainty as to where we are heading, but added confusion and continued dissatisfaction across the whole domestic political
spectrum. This confusion is not surprisingly mirrored in the difficulties experienced by the Basic Law drafters.
As we now shift our focus on to the Basic Law, it may well be that many of the recent deliberations of this Council
will look superfluous in retrospect and many of our internal arguments appear unnecessary or petty. Let us hope this next effort will produce more definite plans and clearer signposts
for the future. Let us also hope that we can still also convince
the Chinese authorities that it will be in the country's own best
The interests to encourage a full and frank discussion here. idealists could assist in this process by finally accepting the futility of bashing their collective head against 1988 wall, and by instead concentrating their efforts and their energy, firstly, on helping to educate the wider public on the need to take more active
interest in the workings and benefits of our present political system and, secondly, by an intensive and constructive involvement in the commentary on the draft provisions of the Basic Law.
foriem in that fear where Hong Kong ultimately has to protect its rights and freedoms and its guaranteed lifestyle, and where we really need to move ahead with more unity and clarity of purpose.
the
les
It is
Sir, with these comments and reservations, I support the
motion to note the White Paper.
34
35
36 ·