118
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
In recent years this opportunity has been well used by those most involved in the daily operations of the administration. They tell in factual terms what their respective select committees and the dedicated staff do for the well-being of the people. They do not simply count the blessings the Council's work has brought to the community but also reveal what more there is in store for the years ahead. Theirs is a public trust well and truly discharged with honesty and dignity. This is what the Council is all about in reality. And, a businesslike society understands this approach only too well and backs it strongly in consequence.
On the other hand, there are a few who indulge usually in a jeremiad and still others who tilt at windmills out of habit. Of course, they are free to do so. But, most vicious and unfair of all is the purposeful denigration of the work others do so well and conscientiously in stark contrast to the poor performance of the detractors themselves. However different the stand or the approach, it is all part of the game. It is fair and essential in this situation to put a point or two in perspective by calling a spade a spade. When expedient in this territory as elsewhere, the truth is half told and even perverted overtly or by implication. Among other basic issues, it should be known that its own composition is beyond the Council's power to vary. And, the franchise for the election of half its membership has likewise nothing to do with the Council. The Government is responsible exclusively for these decisions and cannot shirk its direct responsibility for the stability of local public institutions by bending to overseas pressure without full public consultations here before making any change. In any event, Members who accept appointment or stand for election do so freely for reasons of their own. They have the duty to work to the best of their ability and to give all the time that may be required to perform their functions properly once they are signed in. Otherwise, they should think of staying out in all fairness to the community. The Council works well together as a team. Were it not so, the community would not enjoy so many benefits. The contrary impression might have been caused by an isolated few, the thoughtless minority, unable to grasp today's realities or discern tomorrow's shape.
Hong Kong has created a thriving society out of harsh conditions. Perhaps it succeeds because it has to do so or die. And its ability to prosper against heavy odds is the acid test for its continued existence. It lives on just because it is simply what it is and serves a purpose as such in a transitory situation. In truth, it is a marriage of convenience. Should it be put asunder by those who have no genuine roots here? And, who seem not to care whether their dogmatic actions break the people's rice bowl or not?
The future is ominous. The signs can be read. It does not need much acumen to do so. Like it or not, the Government must nail its colours to the mast. Is Hong Kong going to chart its own course sensibly? Or is it going to flounder and perish at the behest of false prophets far away, who owe no loyalty to the people here, or those others whose abilities do not match their inordinate political ambitions and who seem intolerant of contrary opinions in a society that believes traditionally in 'live and let live'? Should not all those who truly belong to Hong Kong come out now and shout from the housetops how they want to live while there is still time left to make a choice?
I so move.
(Mr. Chan Chi-kwan arrived during the Chairman's address.)
MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, VICE-CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL, seconded. He said (in English):--Mr. Chairman, in the Lunar Year of the Monkey, we enter the decade of the 80's in a spirit of lively challenge and determined optimism, despite foreboding signs of a world depression and political confusion.
H.K.-China Relationship
Fortunately, much has taken place since early 1979 to strengthen Hong Kong's relations with China. Hong Kong relies heavily on China for its water and agricultural supplies. Equally, China, especially Guangdong and Fujien Provinces, stand to benefit much in their modernization plans from Hong Kong's management, marketing, finance, shipping, banking, and technological expertise. We hope that this mutually beneficial relationship will last well into the next century.
H.K.-U.K. Relationship
Mutual understanding and cooperation derived by way of visits to Hong Kong of delegations of British MPs, businessmen or other groups will cement further the ties between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. I welcome more of such visits, particularly if they can bring the Urban Council in touch with City Councillors in the larger U.K. cities. Hong Kong as the third stand in the Hong Kong China-U.K. tripod, relies heavily on preserving the excellent relations with the two other stands, China and the United Kingdom for its stability and prosperity in the 80's.
H.K.-Identity
Hong Kong people are in the process of building an identity of their own, not so much in a political as in a socio-cultural sense, by virtue of rising living standards, of higher education and technology, and of expanding leisure and cultural activities. In other words, 'Here is where we live, here is where we belong!' Our young people, in their search for their own values for the future, will expect more consultation on the part of Government when planning and providing for their needs. The Government will find Hong Kong more difficult to govern if it does not adapt itself to change more effectively in the community interest in this new decade.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 76 of 136
119