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# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
## ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):—Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to order.
## MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 18 February 1986, were confirmed.
## STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):—The large number of voters at the Urban Council and Regional Council elections is a positive indication that the people of Hong Kong are becoming more politically conscious of their role in the democratization process towards a high degree of self-administration after 1997.
The elections are leading to change and I hope constructive change—which, whether we like it or not, must be faced with realism, courage, and as an unprecedented challenge.
No doubt, the results of this year's Urbco and Regco elections will be taken into account during Government's review on the development of representative government in Hong Kong, a report on which is expected in May next year.
It is my duty, and a duty tinged with sadness—to bid farewell, on behalf of my fellow Councillors, to our five long-serving, loyal, and dedicated friends in the Council whose terms are coming to an end.
Our longest-serving Council Member, Mr. Brook BERNACCHI, is leaving us after having served in the Council for some 34 years with only a relatively short break recently—a break of his own choice. Not only has Brook involved himself in the work of many Select Committees over this long period, he has been equally active in other voluntary service. Brook has been a source of wise counsel and moderation in the Council, and his departure will be greatly felt by all of us. I am sure, however, that he will continue to contribute to Hong Kong through other forms of community service.
Dr. Denny HUANG has chosen not to seek re-election after having served the Council with dedication, enthusiasm, and vigour for 19 consecutive years. He served on many Select Committees and, because of his specialist knowledge, has made a significant contribution to the Council's work, especially in the fields of environmental and public hygiene. I am sure I am echoing the thoughts of Council Members in thanking Denny for all his hard work over the years and extending to him our very best wishes for a happy retirement.
Mr. Edmund CHOW has been a Member of the Council for 12 years and served on many Council committees, offering us at all times both professional and commonsense advice. Edmund's contribution to the Council has been invaluable, and, on behalf of the Council, I thank him for his years of dedication. I know that he will continue to be active in other areas of community work.
Miss Maria TAM has decided not to run for a further term because of her heavy commitments in the Executive and Legislative Councils, and in other spheres of civic responsibilities. Since being elected in 1979, Maria has indefatigably served on various Council committees and has consistently contributed many constructive ideas. Her years of service are greatly appreciated by this Council.
Mr. Augustine CHUNG has decided not to seek re-election for personal reasons. During his seven years of service with the Council, he has assiduously sought to promote Council's interests within the community, and we have gained much through his extensive contacts with the grassroots, apart from his own experience and knowledge generously given in Select Committee meetings. On behalf of my fellow Councillors, I thank Augustine for his valuable contribution to Council work.
May I express to Brook, Denny, Edmund, Maria, and Augustine our very best wishes for the future. (applause)
And now may I warmly congratulate Mrs. Elsie Tu, Mr. Peter CHAN Chi-kwan, Miss Cecilia YEUNG, and Messrs. KWAN Lim-ho, Joseph CHAN, Lam Chak-piu, Frederick FUNG, and LEE Chik-yuet on their re-election, and Mr. Pao Ping-wing on being returned unopposed. Their return will ensure continuity and enhanced strength of Council's role within the community. (applause)
Members are aware that there will be five newcomers commencing office on April 1st—Mr. CHAN Kwok-ming, Ms. CHEUNG Wai-ping, Mr. CHOW Wai-keung, Ms. Fok Pui-yee, and Mr. MAN Sai-cheong. I am confident that our new Councillors will enthusiastically join hands with us in performing Council work and serving the people of Hong Kong.
Finally, a few words of 'return and farewell' on my part.
Having been an elected Urban Councillor since 1957, let me say unreservedly that I am glad to be back in this Council for another spell of three years. Much of Council's work is grassroots work, and quite often painstaking, but all of it is essential. As before, I look forward to contributing whatever I can.
But this month is also a farewell for me in my role as Chairman of the Urban Council, after having served as CUC for the past five years.
Already one year ago, I had intimated to a few senior colleagues that I was considering not seeking re-election as CUC in 1986. This view was further reinforced when I was elected later in the year to Legco through the Urbco electoral college.
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