1
26
people of Hong Kong openly contested. This had the effect of
denying Hong Kong people a direct voice (other than an advisory
one) in the determination of their political system while at the
same time gradually building that system.
to de-rail the prospects for a smooth
Until the advent of Governor Patten and his proposals the
result was a growing dissatisfaction on all sides that already
had the potential
transition of sovereignty in 1997 without that being intended by
any of the parties. Politics and the political system in Hong
Kong were developing at a rapid rate, but with very little
connection to the exercise of power and the corresponding
responsibilities of power. The Legislative Council was and
continues to be a colonial body whose primary role is to advise
the Governor rather than to limit his power and demand his
accountability. Although it has some powers,
Although it has some powers, such as to enact
laws and to pass the budget, membership of that body even through
direct elections does not entail the kind of responsibilities
attendant upon other legislative assemblies that determine what
the executive can do let alone those that can actually unseat
governments.
Additionally, since they have been denied
participation in the negotiations over the future of their
constituents and, until the advent of Patten, also denied a say
in the development of the political system in which they will
seek to continue to represent them, Hong Kong politicians
understandably have been frustrated by seeing these negotiations
being carried out by one side which will withdraw altogether once
the new arrangements are due to come into effect and by another
?