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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Some critics have reminded me that democracy is not a panacea for all ills. I am fully aware of that. But those who say that offer no alternative, except that they hope to keep sovereignty in the hands of their own families and companies.
Some Areas Calling for Democracy
I should like to mention a few areas in which a democratic system is an absolute MUST, unless we want to see a growing volume of discontent among the young people now being educated.
(a) I have already mentioned that our Social Welfare system is failing its claimed objectives. If the Legislative Council were to have elected Members, they would be able to call for reforms, and be answerable to the public if they failed to do so.
(b) If elected Members had a say in the legal system, they might be sufficiently in touch to get to the root of the growing crime problem... see whether our system of NON-rehabilitation is producing rather than reducing criminals among the young.
(c) A democratic system would look into the topsy-turvy unjust housing policies and see what is happening on the ground as a result of the policies. A growing number of richer families enter our better public housing estates, while the number of homeless people, families living in squatter huts or inferior private accommodation grows. Housing goes to those who know the policies and can enter through the loophole. The less tricky may have to wait forever. I am glad that the new Director for Housing is now overhauling the policies, but I would respectfully suggest that he would be better informed of the need if he had constant advice from representatives of the people for whom those policies are being made, that is, if he would work on a democratic system.
(d) We have recently been informed that transport fares are to rise again - in fact they have already risen this month, and that an electronic road pricing system is to be introduced. A democratic Government would have opposition Members who would point out that more care could be taken to ensure that the inflation which is given as the reason for fare increases would also demand better social welfare benefits for those unable to work, and better salaries for those at the bottom end of the salary scale. The $36 million being wasted on a pilot scheme for electronic road pricing would go a long way to financing better social welfare schemes for the aged or the handicapped. But of course, appointees have given the nod to the scheme, which will keep the roads clearer (so we are told) for the wealthy to use. Appointees, to keep their positions, have to please the Government. Democratically elected representatives keep their positions because of their performance for the people.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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I could continue to point out the benefits of democracy, benefits which we on the Urban Council have clearly evidenced since the election of new young blood this year, in contrast to the apathy of some of the social climbers of the past. Government appointment, but to keep their eyes on their goal by serving the people. May I urge our new young Members not to yield to the temptation of power. May I also urge our new Members to be courageous, because speaking the truth requires courage in a society of false values.
And may I urge the Government not to miss again the recent groundswell of discontent among the young and educated demanding a more democratic system in Hong Kong--NOW.
Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.
MR. KENNETH T. C. Lo (in English):- Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the motion before the Council.
Swimming has always been our most popular sport. Year by year, the numbers of swimmers who go to our swimming pools and beaches have substantially increased. However, last year turned out to be exceptional. Our attendance figures both at swimming pools and at the beaches showed a significant drop as compared with the previous year.
Of course, we did put up our fees for the swimming pools and there were questions raised as to whether this accounted for the decline in usage. However, there are strong indications that this was not so. For one thing, the beaches are free and attendance there dropped as well. Furthermore, the attendance at swimming pools for April 1983, which was the first month after the increase in fees, showed a significant increase of some 65% over the figures for the same month the previous year. This shows general acceptance of the fee level.
It was not until May and the months thereafter that attendance dropped. The rainy weather we had, particularly in the early months of the summer, may have had some effect. However, I believe that the main reason for the drop in usage was largely due to the scare that infectious disease could spread in public swimming pools and also at beaches.
This scare was caused by a rumour which was much publicized in the newspapers. Herpes was the disease mentioned. There are two forms of this disease and I believe the more serious form so far has no known cure. The very thought of such a disease caused shudders.
However, I am informed by expert advice that the serious form of this disease simply cannot be spread by swimming in water. The lesser form also cannot be contracted in this way. I sincerely hope and indeed believe that next swimming season, common sense will prevail and herpes will be forgotten, at least as far as swimming is concerned. Attendance at our swimming pools and beaches will then again show a healthy upward trend. In this connection, I must emphasize...