2064
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
5 July 1989
recommends a democratic development similar to "fast food" meals. I insist that the pace of democratization should be accelerated in a progressive manner lest the legislature should make lopsided or radical development, for there are no precedents or past experiences which we can follow. As a matter of fact, the consensus reached by OMELCO Members on this subject is highly commendable, that is, a legislature entirely returned by direct election should be in place by 2003 and the Chief Executive be elected through general election. Further acceleration in political reforms does not necessarily guarantee the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. I find the consensus reached by OMELCO Members on political development practicable and appropriate. The pace of democratization has been accelerated and it is not conservative at all.
My honourable colleagues, I believe that most of the Members present today and most of the general public in Hong Kong, especially our friends in the industrial and commercial sectors, share my views in that we all hope those factors which contribute to the prosperity of Hong Kong can be retained and further developed to bring about an even more flourishing economy and thereby to bring more benefits to the community. Only under such circumstances can we stay and live in this attractive place generations after generations.
Similarly, I wish to give my sincere advice to the Chinese authority who ought to take heed of the grief expressed by the Hong Kong people towards the recent events in the Mainland. People's confidence is now being hard hit. In the face of such regrettable situation, should the authority concerned not spend some time thinking over the cause of the crisis? Should they refuse to ponder upon the situation carefully, they will be unworthy of the high hopes that Hong Kong people have placed in their country.
Sir, with these remarks, I support the motion.
MR. POON CHI-FAI (in Cantonese): Sir, the outcome of the student movement in Beijing has not only brought bitterness, despair and deep grief to the people of Hong Kong, it has also shaken our confidence in the future. It is understandable and most reasonable that during this unprecedented moment at which our confidence has been shattered, the people of Hong Kong should strive for the restoration of their entitlement to the right of abode in Britain, so that they can feel secure and stay in Hong Kong for further development. However, judging from Britain's premeditated measures in tightening up its immigration legislation and in the light of the content of the Foreign Affairs Committee report on Hong Kong recently published and the remarks made by the Foreign Secretary Sir Geoffrey HOWE during his recent visit to the territory, we can hardly pin any high hopes on our action to strive for the right of abode in the United Kingdom. We are disappointed, discontented and indignant at the British Government's insensitivity of heart in refusing to make concessions on the nationality issue.
Page 30Page 31