2080
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
5 July 1989
Finally, Sir, on the Vietnamese boat people.
I share the FAC's view that only reluctantly does one come to the conclusion that there is no alternative to arranging repatriation to Vietnam on an orderly basis. There has been progress on this in recent weeks and I hope the community will continue to show patience.
Nothing could be more damaging to Hong Kong's present interest than ill- considered actions such as anti-Vietnamese demonstrations or the abandonment of the policy of first asylum or the risking of lives of these pitiful people by turning their boats away. At this time, we need all the support we can get from around the world. From all that I hear such international support would be sharply reduced were we to initiate a change of policy; for obvious reasons we would be accused, however unfairly, of adopting double standards.
This sad and difficult problem has long been with us and I can well understand the frustrations that many Hong Kong people are feeling. But I hope this Council can continue to support a sensible and humane approach to those whose predicament despite Hong Kong's current problems is still considerably worse than our own.
With these words, Sir, I support the motion.
MR. DAVID CHEUNG: Sir, the FAC report is full of illogicality and contradictions and, reading between lines, one can see through its proposition hiding behind a cluster of words that the British Government should shirk its responsibilities for Hong Kong.
The FAC, while recognizing and realizing the gravity of the situation in Hong Kong following the recent bloody events in China, fails to recommend the proper action the British Government should take. The gist of the report, in my view, is that the FAC craves to be seen to be helping Hong Kong, but is loath to recommend that Britain pay any price.
The report recognizes that:
(a) confidence in Hong Kong has been shaken;
Para 1.1
Para 1.2
(b)
the situation has changed so completely that
positions have to be fundamentally reassessed;
(c)
the concerns which were identified during the committee's visit had been intensified and required addressing even more urgently;
Para 1.5
(d) Hong Kong people cannot exercise the fundamental
right of self-determination;
Para 1.6