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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
In his recent interview with Hong Kong and Macau compatriots who went to Beijing for the National Day celebrations, Mr. DENG Xiaoping has said that at the coming 3rd Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the National Congress of the People's Republic of China, the country would introduce a programme of reforms on city administration which would drastically reform the economic conditions in the cities. China has of late decreed 14 coastal cities and 4 regions to be special economic regions and the Prime Minister, Mr. ZHAO Ziyang has also stressed at a banquet that China's future economic policies will be geared to the production of more commodities, entrepreneurship and modernization. We can be sure that China's open economic policies will, to some extent, lead to more contact with foreign countries which will affect her laws, policies and attitude. These are good developments and will boost the confidence of Hong Kong people participating in the administration of Hong Kong.
Participation in the fundamental organizations
The Joint Declaration points out that three fundamental organizations will be set up in Hong Kong which will have a bearing on the Special Administrative Region Government after 13 years. These organizations are:
1. The Land Commission.
2. The Sino-British Joint Liaison Group.
3. The Basic Law Drafting Committee.
Regrettably the Joint Declaration does not provide that Hong Kong people may take part in these organizations. From the principles enunciated above, the earlier Hong Kong people are allowed to take part in these organizations to be formed which would have considerable effects on the political system and future changes in Hong Kong, the better stability, identity and confidence it will bring to the territory.
Proposals
Of the three organizations, it would be difficult for Hong Kong people to involve themselves in the Land Commission, but when it sets out certain principles and holds discussions, it should also listen to the views of Hong Kong people.
Matters for consideration during the first half of the period between the establishment of the Joint Liaison Group and 1 July 1997 will include action to be taken to ensure the Special Region's participation in customs and trade arrangements as well as other international arrangements. During the second half of the period, it will be concerned with discussing matters relating to the smooth transfer of government as well as economic and cultural relations with all other countries. The terms of reference of this Group closely affect the life of Hong Kong people. In the agreement, it provides that each side will designate a senior representative who shall be of Ambassadorial rank, and four other members of the Group. In addition, each side may also send up to 20 supporting staff. However, there is completely no mention of how Hong Kong people may participate in the Group. I hereby propose that during the various stages when both sides appoint their members, they would invite some professional people in Hong Kong knowledgeable in the subject to take part in the discussions so as to promote better co-operation during the transitional period.
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In the long term, the Basic Law Drafting Committee is most important in respect of the future development of Hong Kong. It will be more advantageous if there are Hong Kong people participating in the Committee to discuss the future Hong Kong Basic Law. I propose that China should appoint some Hong Kong representatives on the Drafting Committee so that it will have direct contact with Hong Kong people. As Hong Kong will still be administered by Britain before 1997, for the time being, China is not able to hold elections in Hong Kong. I therefore propose the following:
1. China to announce the principles governing election of members serving on the Drafting Committee.
2. To accept nominations (to be submitted by organizations or councillors).
3. To announce the nominations and allow the public to discuss and vote.
4. Decision.
It is said a consultation committee on the drafting of the Basic Law will be formed in Hong Kong to collect the views of Hong Kong people. I propose that China will invite people with different shades of opinions to serve on the consultation committee so that they will have equal opportunities to express their views. The more elaborate the system in the beginning, the better will be the results.
Conclusion
To ensure that Hong Kong people will identify themselves with, have faith in, and support the Special Region Government, these tasks should be contemplated immediately. They should be carried out centrally as well as in all the districts and in connection with the existing consultative organizations, civic bodies and district committees of various societies in Hong Kong, the District Boards, the Urban Council, the Executive and Legislative Councils so that public opinions may be reflected from various quarters and from different channels. Such opinions and their effects should also be faithfully reported to the people of Hong Kong.
In 13 years' time, we shall have a new society in Hong Kong and I hope that it is a democratic one, tolerating dissent and respecting human rights and freedoms, as a result of the efforts and co-operation of all the parties.
Sir, I support your motion.
(Dr. the Hon. Kim Y. S. CHAN left at 5.40 p.m.)
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