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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Appendix B
DEBATE ON THE GREEN PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT
Nellie FONG
8 September 1987
I would like to table before this Council my view on direct election to the Legislature. Although there are many issues mentioned in the Green Paper, I find the one on direct election to the legislature of fundamental importance.
I have not supported any form of direct election to the Legislature at any time and my position has not changed. I admit I am conservative. However, on whatever issues, I always listen and analyse, ready to be proved wrong. I have therefore stepped back, listened and re-examined the issue. My conclusion is that I cannot be in support of it. With all the arguments put forward on direct election, I am not convinced that this would be best for Hong Kong. The fundamental issue is that we are in search of a better system, not just a change in the present one.
First of all, I support that the future Hong Kong Government should be a representative one. A legislature made up of people represented by the different walks of life, different functions and professions that made up Hong Kong. I do not believe or foresee direct election being able to produce a representation of people from all sections. Past history and current indication tell me that direct election will produce certain groups of politicians.
Secondly, I am a firm believer that people demonstrate their ability and integrity through their daily lives and work, not through speeches and political manoeuvres. A person's colleagues or someone within the same profession or trade would be a better judge of an individual's ability, calibre, and integrity than the general public. Hence, electing representatives by use of the functional constituency system provides a better chance of getting deserving members for the legislature. Under this system, a candidate who has a lot to say during election time will not necessarily get the most votes.
Thirdly, to be successful in a direct election involves politicking, shaking hands, making house calls, attending political meetings, organizing campaigning groups, making promises and deals. Upon success, a lot of promises have to be fulfilled. The candidate's interests for Hong Kong as a whole diminishes when he has to fulfill promises made during the campaign.
Fourthly, it is unavoidable that competing groups in an election have their own party line and manifesto. Party lines are damaging because individuals lose their identities, lose their abilities to stand up to what they believe in and have to follow party politics. I cannot see how a government run in such a manner can be the best for Hong Kong.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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It is unfortunate that some people associate the objection to direct election as being an attempt to please China. This accusation is rather foolish. I do not believe that China has a clearly defined plan for Hong Kong and neither does the British administration for 1997 and beyond. In my view, however, China does consider Hong Kong economically very successful. China indicates that Hong Kong can assist it in its modernization policy. There is also no need to remind ourselves that China has made a major investment in Hong Kong and that the level of its investment keeps on growing. China's desire to maintain stability and prosperity for Hong Kong is loud and clear and for this reason, I believe it's quite natural that it should be against a major change to the constitution of Hong Kong. I feel, however, that just because there may be agreement on that matter does not mean that its proponents are trying to please China.
The belief that Britain will push for direct elections for 1988 is in my view also unreasonable. However, there is an indication that Britain does want some degree of direct election to the legislature before it departs in 1997. Thus, there is a conflict between the British administration and the Chinese Government.
Clearly also, we cannot overlook the wishes of the Hong Kong people, a generation made up of groups with varied backgrounds, thoughts and ambitions and a silent majority.
For Britain, it will be a difficult task to reach a decision.
As for myself, being a Hong Kong person, my duty is to speak my mind, based on my honest belief as to what is good for Hong Kong without personal gain or prejudices. I am in support of indirect election to the Legislature with strong emphasis on functional representation. I would like to see functional constituencies include as many interest groups as possible. The other portion would be comprised of representatives appointed by electoral colleges. Because Hong Kong is always changing and the importance of different functional groups may change, a functional review committee should be created to continuously monitor the existence of the various functional groups to make sure that they adequately represent the interests of Hong Kong at any time. I sincerely believe this would be the best system for Hong Kong.
Sir, with the above, I support the motion.
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