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If there is something new about which he knows little, he would treat it as some monster and would have nothing to do with it at the very beginning. Neither is he interested to try to understand it and sometimes he may even attack it.
I shall cite an example. 2 months ago government published a Green Paper on representative government which was drafted without any consultation nor discussion with the public. Many then voiced their opposition and divergent views were expressed. Fortunately the Green Paper is not yet final otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable. On the contrary, before the publication of the Joint Declaration of the Chinese and British governments, there have been numerous discussions and many Hong Kong people have presented their views locally, in Beijing and in London. Fundamentally some of the views reflected by Hong Kong people are incorporated in the Declaration. Those people who have contributed ideas basically support the Declaration and have begun to rebuild their confidence in the future of Hong Kong. Little opposition is heard and more and more are anxious that the Declaration would be implemented.
This example illustrates that if people are allowed to participate in a scheme and if their wishes and expectations are accepted, they will identify themselves with, have confidence in, and support the scheme.
We can be sure that there will be changes in the sovereignty and administration as well as government structure in Hong Kong. If it is our hope that such changes will not bring disorder or instability to Hong Kong, then the earlier we involve ourselves in these changes and from the very beginning, the more prosperity and stability we will gain for the future of Hong Kong, and more support for the Joint Declaration.
Participation without fear
Hong Kong people are always afraid to be involved in politics.
Hong Kong people have always directed their attention to economic matters and individual development and, lacking government encouragement and proper channels, are not interested in participation in political affairs. They are afraid that involving in politics would affect their income and land themselves in a black-list. They are also afraid of the dark side of politics, the Communist Party etc. etc.
Hong Kong people are only keen about economic development and have completely neglected participation in politics. The attitude is not entirely in keeping with a rational society. In the last 2 years, however, with the question on its future hanging and reforms on government structure under discussion, the imbalance is gradually being improved. The times have changed and there appears to be an urgent need for Hong Kong people to involve themselves in politics, but so far many of the elitists are still hesitant in participating in
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government affairs. I wish to cite some evidence here that in the present circumstances, the climate is favourable for Hong Kong people to concern themselves in the running of the government.
Firstly, let us look at Hong Kong people's involvement during the course of the negotiations.
The negotiations on the future of Hong Kong are now concluded after 2 years. During the course of negotiations, people from various quarters have travelled to Britain and China to express their views to the leaders of the two countries. The present Joint Declaration shows not only that the time and efforts of these people have not been wasted, but more importantly that China accepts proposals which are different from or even contrary to ideas and ideologies prevalent in the country, including the acceptance of Western democratic systems, freedom of religious faith and other developments. It manifests that participation is desirable.
Secondly, let us look at the extent of participation by Hong Kong people in respect of the Joint Declaration.
Section XIII of Annex 1 to the Joint Declaration states: 'The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government shall protect the rights and freedoms of inhabitants and other persons in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region according to law. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government shall maintain the rights and freedoms as provided for by laws previously in force in Hong Kong, including freedom of the person, of speech... and the right to raise a family'. The last paragraph states: "The provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong shall remain in force'. This shows that the rights and freedoms and participation in public affairs are legally provided as under the laws in force at present. Participation in political affairs is therefore lawful and should not cause any problem.
What is more, the Joint Declaration even encourages the participation of Hong Kong people in political affairs. In the future Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the legislature will be constituted by elections which, whether direct or indirect, will heighten the participation of Hong Kong people in political affairs. In future, the chief executive will be selected by election or through consultations, and the executive authorities will be accountable to the elected legislature. These provisions describe in principle the future government framework, the relations between government and the people and that under the law, Hong Kong people are the masters in their own house. It is fair to say that in future, Hong Kong people will have much, much more opportunities to participate in government affairs.
Thirdly, China herself is also changing and such changes are conducive to Hong Kong people participating in their own affairs.