Page 119 of 195
206
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
part in democratic political activities and election campaigns, and understand the systems of election of the District Boards, the Urban Council, and the Legislative Council.
The 'Guidelines' admit that it would be very complex and subtle to teach civic education through a school's characteristic tone, and that the style of management of a school and leadership of its head is the single most important element that gives a school a distinctive character. In Hong Kong at present, the spirit and style of each school are different and it is doubtful if pupils under dictatorial headmasters are able to have independent thinking and receive civic education on democratic government systems.
In short, during the compilation of the 'guidelines', the Education Department has overlooked the actual circumstances of the schools and does not have a long-term and comprehensive plan. If the 'guidelines' are to be followed, the introduction of civic education is merely a cliche and many problems will crop up.
I very much hope that the Education Department will consider making civic education a separate subject so that the pupils will receive enough civic education to understand the unique historical background of Hong Kong and the actual situation of its future society. At the same time, the Education Department should take the initiative to play a responsible role, such as to allocate additional manpower and teaching resources to the schools, to set up information centres in the various districts, to provide training courses on civic education to the teachers, and to form a working party to collect opinions from teachers and other groups, and to make proposals to government as well as review its policies from time to time.
Apart from introducing civic education in schools, it should also be promoted within government at various levels. Government is pushing reforms on its system, but in the absence of public supervision, the officials are wielding too much power and bureaucracy is still common in many departments. Government officials are public servants and they must set a good example by taking a responsible attitude and being accountable to the public. To nurture good civic consciousness in the community, it is necessary to re-educate the government officials, particularly those of middle ranks. Some in-service training should be given to them to rid them of the notion of being on a pedestal; to make them aware that they are serving, not ruling over the public; to encourage them to be on the side of the people and take heed of public wishes; and to teach them not to engage in unnecessary arguments with the public or civic groups, but promptly respond to their ideas, and always act in the public interests. Government officials should work together with the people in the setting up of a representative government and be co-operative so that the public will be happy to participate in public affairs and become responsible citizens.
With these words, Mr. Chairman, I support your motion.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 119 of 195
207
Mr. Samuel P. W. WONG (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, I think the T.V. broadcasters favour our elected members, they have all left now.
In September 1984, this Council accepted a Five Year Forecast covering the period 1984/85 to 1988/89. It included expenditure on capital projects of $2.35 billion over the 5-year period; i.e. a capital works programme that envisages expenditure of $300 million to $400 million each year, up to 1988/89. A total of 24 U.C. complexes had been planned in the 5-year programme for the 10 urban districts. A total of $737 million had been approved for 9 complexes to be constructed.
This time last year, we budgeted for capital works expenditure of $330 million. Due to the fact that building construction cost in the past year has been low, the actual spending by the end of March this year is expected to be in the region of $260 million. For the financial year 1986/87, which will commence on 1 April this year, expenditure on capital works projects has been budgeted at $300 million, representing a 15 per cent increase. Personal emoluments directly related to activities which come within the ambit of the Capital Works Select Committee have been estimated at $9 million; and a further $3 million has been provided for furniture and equipment for various completed capital works. Hence, the total expenditure by the Capital Works Select Committee in 1986/87 is $312 million; or 15.15 per cent of the total expenditure of the Council.
The U.C. Kwun Chung Complex and the U.C. Sham Shui Po Complex have been put on the drawing board, thus making a total of 11 district complexes under various stages of construction or planning. At least three of these complexes would be completed and put into use within the next financial year.
In 1986/87, other major capital projects due for completion include To Kwa Wan Recreation Ground, Kowloon Bay Recreation Ground, Redevelopment of Choi Hung Road Playground, Cheung Sha Wan Sports Ground Stage II, Wan Chai Reclamation Recreation Centre Stage II, and the Squash Complex in Victoria Barracks.
The Capital Works Select Committee of this Council makes planning policies for the capital works programme, ensures that the programme is implemented efficiently. It also monitors land requirements for the Council's facilities in order to discharge its statutory responsibilities.
The Planning and Development Division of the Urban Services Department implements decisions of the Select Committee, working closely with the District Lands Officers and Town Planners of the Lands Department and the professional staff of the Building Development Department. In September 1985, the Planning and Development Division of U.S.D. produced a comprehensive document, listing in it very clearly all capital works programmed on Functional Select Committee basis as well as on Urban Districts basis. New inclusion of projects in the Capital Works Programme for the period 1985/86 to ...
Page 119 of 195