1992-01-03 14:27 INFORMATION SERVICES DEPT
852 521 7725 P.07/11
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CALLERS' VIEWS
The Governor's retirement and issues related to Lau Shan-ching were major topics of discussion among the 20 callers to R-1's "Talkabout" yesterday (Thursday).
Two callers did not find it sensible for Emily Lau to make a proposal to discuss the appointment of the next Governor ac a Legco in-house meeting, with one of them dismissing it as a publicity gimmick. They noted that the appointment was a matter for the British Government, which they said would not take local views into account.
Two other callers, however, supported Ms Lau's proposal. One of them praised her for speaking the minds of HK people while the other contended that it was proper for the Legco to discuss the issue as it had now become more representative.
One caller urged the British Government to consult the United Democrats on the selection of a new Governor. He hoped that Sir David's successor would foster a co-operative relationship with China.
On the performance of Sir David, one caller criticised him for being apathetic to people's livelihood.
Issues related to Lau Shan-ching continued to draw comments from callers. One caller paid respect to Mr Lau but questioned the wisdom of local people pursuing democracy in China. He cautioned that the heroic welcome given to Mr Lau by the HK Alliance in Support .of the Patriotic Democratic Movement in China might tempt young people to participate in the risky pro-democracy activities in China.
Three callers, however, did not see anything wrong for HK people to express concern for their motherland. To show the feeling of kinship, they believed that HK people should help their compatriots in China to fight for democracy. One of them doubted whether HK people's freedom would be guaranteed if there was no democracy in China.