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Hong Kong has emerged as a New Industrial State that gives it an Affluent Society (to quote an American Economist John Galbraith) relative to its Asian neighbours. A growing industrial economy like ours can only base its hope on technology which can be defined as the systematic application of scientific and other organized knowledge to practical tasks. Technology requires specialization that is conducive to high efficiency and economic production through organization and planning. Only a better educated and trained manpower can absorb specialized knowledge and submit to the discipline of organizations. Higher productivity and labour saving are ensured by the use of advanced processes and plants (e.g., computers and automation).
In my speech in last year's debate, I had mentioned that we needed to train at least 3,820 technicians and 9,750 craftsmen every year, and the government would not be fulfilling its responsibility to the community if it did not play an active part in the training of that vast body of people whose skills are necessary to ensure economic progress and social stability in our community. For to leave it entirely to industry is not to understand the very spirit and inclinations that have made Hong Kong industry what it is today.
I like to think that the speech had some small effect on the setting up of a Polytechnic Planning Committee earlier this year under the chairmanship of the hard-driving Hon. P. Y. Tang, of which I am an unofficial member. Much spadework has been done, and indeed, the Polytechnic should hold the best hopes for the future supply of technicians and technologists for industry and commerce, as well as for our school leavers with aspirations for a purposeful career. It will be an irreparable damage if, at this crucial moment, anything less than top priority and urgency are accorded to bring it to realization.
The same may be said of the several technical institutes now under or nearing completion. A review of policy and conditions in the retention and recruitment of much sought-after lecturers and teachers is called for if the fine and well-equipped buildings are to be utilized to full advantage as soon as possible.
Progressive Industrialists seldom doubt that proposed labour legislations have been drafted with the best of intentions and have generally acceded to the need for improved conditions. However, the hard facts of life in this highly competitive world have caused even one eminent proclaimed socialist leader in South East Asia to back-pedal his labour legislations as an expedient for industrial promotion. Many Hong Kong industrialists have been under pressure of profit-squeeze due to increased labour and material costs, high rents, and depressed markets, as reflected in reduced orders received over the last two months, particularly by those exporting to a country now undergoing deflation of an overheated economy. A graduated and orderly introduction is necessary to avoid disruption and would be appreciated by employers and labour alike.
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employers and labour alike.
A wider consultation may review the hardships and shortcomings of an otherwise well-meaning draft.
Turning to other aspects of public interests, I would like to comment as follows:-
This has been a much-debated subject, and I can add no more to the argument than to say that after some 20 months of working limited part-time in Urban Council wards, I am convinced that a system similar to what is generally known as Ombudsman has definite merits. I would like to see this in being and notice that the matter is still under government consideration.
It has been in my mind for some time that a way to provide for social security and to instill a sense of belonging would be to establish a public provident fund contributed by both employers and employees and administered by the government, as in Singapore and Malaysia. The fund may be used to finance housing or provide for other public needs and generate income. I had mentioned this idea in a university seminar and aroused considerable interest. I also discussed this briefly with a high-ranking government official, and although he intimated a couple of practical considerations, he did not seem to be unreceptive to the idea. I was disappointed to learn of the terse reply in the negative given by the Hon. Director of Social Welfare to Hon. Ellen Li when she raised the same subject on her own at a recent Legco debate. I do hope that this can be further pursued by an appropriate authority or institution with facilities to research further into the matter.
Mr. Chairman, during the past few years, I have been privileged to participate on some government advisory boards and committees and have had the opportunity to see at closer range how the government machine works. Whilst I have the greatest admiration for the dedication and competence displayed by so many of our administrators, I sometimes feel that imagination and broader vision inspired by frequent contacts between administrators and the people may be used to advantage in official decision-making to cope with the rapid social and economic changes that are part of our present-day life.
With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I have pleasure in supporting the Motion. (Applause).
CHAIRMAN:-Ladies and gentlemen, it was agreed that the Unofficial Members of this Council should be allocated two consecutive days for their speeches, and I now suggest that debate on the Motion be adjourned until tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. in this Chamber.
ADJOURNMENT - 4:45 P.M.
CHAIRMAN:-That concludes the business of this meeting. Council stands adjourned until Friday, 28th November, 1969 at 2:30 p.m.
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