HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 28 February 1990
一九九0年二月二十八日
香港立法局
50
Both the "4-4-2 model" and the OMELCO consensus commanded wide support in Hong Kong. It is therefore disappointing that neither was even considered in the final working sessions of the Basic Law Drafting Committee, and that the present model falls short of the aspiration of the Hong Kong people on the pace of development of a democratic government. In addition, there are elements proposed in the Basic Law, such as the split-voting system and the restriction of the number of members of the future Legislative Council holding foreign passports to 20%, which can jeopardize the smooth running of the Council and, in the latter case, is undesirable and even unworkable.
But now, we should be honest with ourselves and with others. We have done our best to fight for what we believed was good for the future of Hong Kong. We should recognize that the promulgation of the Basic Law will now be a mere formality: there will not be further changes in the foreseeable future. As the saying goes, the die is cast.
The question that is before us is not so much whether we should accept the proposed political model that has been agreed on our behalf, but rather, how we can accept it and make it work to the benefit of our future.
It cannot be denied that the recent government announcement of the provision of 18 directly elected seats in the 1991 legislature is a vast improvement over the original number of 10. I believe that this can provide a working foundation for the building of a democratic government. Due to prevailing circumstances, China is intransigent in its position that there will be no further changes on the composition of the legislature in 1995 and beyond, from what is now proposed in the Basic Law.
It is not a matter of accepting what we are given as Mr. Martin LEE has said. At this very moment, it is simply futile and strategically wrong for us to adopt a confrontational attitude towards China and press for changes. Nor do I believe that the people of Hong Kong want Members of this Council to take that stance. That is the chief reason why I do not support Mr. McGREGOR's motion.
Sir, Hong Hong people's aspiration for greater democracy will not diminish, but I believe that the best way they can achieve that is for all sectors of our community to be united in their efforts in building up a democratic system from the foundation that has just been laid.
Thus, in 1991, there should be major efforts to ensure a maximum turnout of voters; and candidates of quality and integrity, having the overall interest of the community at heart, should be encouraged to stand for election.