CURET
5.
-3-
So the pace of democratisation in Hong Kong is
we all know - necessarily constrained.
But it is
constrained, not stopped dead in its tracks.
There are,
The
of course, those who say that whatever may happen elsewhere, Hong Kong doesn't need any further political development. They often make an impressive case. territory is already honestly and decently governed. economy flourishes.
Its
Personal freedoms are extensive by
any standards. While I recognise the special nature of Hong Kong's unique historical experience, these arguments are all for standing still, for a government that does not respond readily to a rapidly-changing society or to the pressures on ordinary people.
6.
And standing still is not an available option. The governments of the United Kingdom and China have agreed in the Joint Declaration that democracy should be carried forward with a legislature constituted entirely by elections. The Basic Law provides for a steady increase in the number of those directly elected to the
What is legislature. It does not visualise stagnation. more, and this was doubtless recognised by those who drafted the Basic Law, the community wants greater
democracy.
Whenever the community is asked, that is the answer it gives. It may be possible to ignore a message that is given only once, but when the same message is repeated over and again you cannot simply close your ears
to it.
SECRET