2090
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
5 July 1989
however, we are given the vote, rather than the right of abode, then Britain can enjoy the convenience of relaxing, while things go well or ill. We could be told: "Hong Kong, that is your problem. We are not responsible for the consequences. You have the quick and easy fix of early direct elections. You have made your bed, now lie on it."
The argument for gradual change in our political system still holds good. The need for responsible Members representing functional constituencies is still very evident. What happens in China, or indeed, elsewhere is not always relevant to the pace of local political change here. China's problems are, of course, our problems. But the speed at which we move forward is not determined solely by external events.
The brain drain is hardly likely to be influenced by the early introduction of one-man-one-vote elections. At the present rate of emigration, we are likely to lose 500 000 people over the next eight years. One wonders how many of them will leave on account of the structure of our voting system.
Sir, in my darker moments, I wonder how many people, declaring their love for democracy and early direct elections, have actually taken steps to acquire a foreign passport. One wonders how many marchers for democracy are themselves not true democrats. Inconsistency is a very human vice.
I have supported the OMELCO position which sees earliest full direct elections in Hong Kong by the year 2003. Intermediate steps will take place in 1991, 1995 and 1999 — a reasonable and short process of evolution. We can ease our way towards 1997 via the present sensible arrangements. The plan so carefully worked out should not be hastily abandoned.
Sir, once emotion has subsided over recent events in China, we must relate the revived Basic Law to the question of political change in Hong Kong. We must not simply rule out the concept of convergence. We must not throw out the baby with the bathwater. Once the dust has settled we will be obliged to take the Basic Law into account. The Basic Law remains a necessity; it remains inevitable.
Foreign passports can easily be obtained by those able to afford them. Business people, above all, can often acquire a foreign passport via careful and quite legal investment. So why have our Hong Kong business people not gone? Why are they still here? Logically, we should expect there to be no businessmen left here now at all. In spite of all the uncertainties, they are still working for Hong Kong. We must all work together to sustain and support our community and give it our best effort.
I deeply regret the select committee's apparent evasion of our problems. More responsibility was expected, and we feel that we have been let down. It is now left to the British Government not to take the recommendation of the FAC report and to meet our urgent need for the restoration of confidence in Hong Kong.