HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL · 5 July 1989
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Sir, I recall to mind Don Quixote, in Don Quixote written by a Spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes. Confronted with a multiplicity of difficulties and problems, yet armed with a strong conviction as to the truth, Don Quixote resolutely went ahead without ever turning back.
There would not be much of a chance of success in Hong Kong people's present endeavour to get a better deal over the nationality issue. However, the London visit by the two Senior Members has demonstrated to the world the solidarity and unity of purpose of the Hong Kong people. The strength which this solidarity generates will, in the years ahead, gather enormous momentum to lead us to a bright future. The road ahead, I believe, is tortuous but I am confident that it will lead to a bright future.
Sir, with these remarks, I support the motion.
MISS TAM: Sir, let me first thank you for allowing me to speak at such short notice. I had been travelling abroad and was therefore unable to attend the preparatory meetings that my colleagues had held for this debate and I thought the least I could do is to stay at the last stand of the queue so as to hear my colleagues first.
I had the opportunity to speak abroad about the situation in Hong Kong. When I first accepted the invitation, it was some time in April. Our Hang Seng Index was climbing from 3 200 points to 3 300 points. The Mid-level luxury flats were selling at about $2,400 per sq ft. But by the time I actually took the plane and flew to Britain, the Hang Seng Index had dropped a thousand points and there was a 50% lop- off from the price of property situated at the Mid-levels of Hong Kong. A survey had just been done showing that our confidence in our economic and political future was standing at the lowest point since the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. I think the reason was obvious. We had been hoping for a China that will be continuing its opening-up and some day China will be strong and its people will be free. The disappointment, the anguish and the common aspiration to have freedom for the Chinese people has been well expressed by the people of Hong Kong who had marched in the streets in large numbers, sometimes numbering half a million and well over, to show that we are united in our stand.
Sir, I thought after all the tragedy that we have witnessed, the best positive result is that Hong Kong is now united, that we are now prepared to participate in political reform at a faster pace, that we are prepared to give up our own differences in our points of view, whether it be on the political system or initially on the passport issue, and stand on one line. I am glad to see, Sir, that you are leading that line and speaking to Britain.
My reception in London was successful but I must say it was due to the fact that Dame Lydia and Mr. Allen LEE had laid a very good foundation stating our case and we were getting through to the British people. I was therefore disappointed when I read the FAC report yesterday after my return. I must say that I agree basically with their observation in respect to the Joint Declaration. It is fundamentally a well written