2074
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 5 July 1989
Apart from this, to refine the Basic Law, accelerate democratization of the political system and thoroughly implement the provisions of the Sino-British Joint Declaration are equally important missions to be accomplished by the British Government during the run-up to 1997.
I hope that in considering the recommendations of the FAC, the British Government will think twice over their effects on Hong Kong and take into full account our interests in various respects. By doing so, Britain will add another glorious page to the history of over a century of her rule in Hong Kong.
Sir, with these remarks, I support the motion.
DR. TSE: Sir, many eloquent words have been said both inside and outside this Chamber in support of the OMELCO efforts on the right of abode issue.
As a Member of this Council, I am proud of the dignified ways my colleagues have conducted themselves throughout this campaign. Just to set the record straight, I have always felt that the campaign has the unanimous support of the OMELCO Members, and not as reported by some newspapers last week. I for one, as a Member from the electoral college, signed up from the very beginning to join the special working group to give support to the two Senior Members during their London mission. Other Members, both from the electoral college and from the functional constituencies, have worked side by side with the appointed Members as a team, regardless whether they had signed up before. To me, this noble spirit of working together without ganging up (F#m) is exactly the kind of spirit we must endeavour to foster, and is also the spirit our OMELCO colleagues have enjoyed most of the time. I sincerely hope that this image is properly reflected by the press.
Sir, in one of the briefing sessions in which I participated as a Member of the special working group, I was asked why OMELCO put so much effort in fighting a cause which seemed to have little chance of success. To that question, I gave my reply : there are things in life one would calculate the chance of success before deciding whether to pursue; but there are other things in life one would pursue regardless; and I believe that the nationality issue belongs to the latter. As I see it, the issue is a matter of cardinal principle and justice. The British Government has, through a series of parliamentary acts, unilaterally and systematically taken away the rights of its citizens in Hong Kong who are entitled to them either by birth or through naturalization. It is only right that our OMELCO colleagues should try our best to claim them back for those who want them. Whatever the outcome, our commitment to do what is right for our people must remain; even a disappointing result should not crush our spirit to fight for the well-being of our community. Politicians may come and go, but Hong Kong must continue.
Sir, it has been suggested that since Britain is unlikely to give Hong Kong people the right of abode, Her Majesty's Government should now speed up the process of democratization in Hong Kong. To this suggestion, I would also like to give my own reply.