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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Hong Kong citizens in 1997. I support the motion.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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and sympathy with Chinese people everywhere. In the circumstances, I support drastic actions to undermine the benefit of Hong Kong people. What we should do is to make sure that the 'one country, two systems' can be implemented. We should not force ourselves to a situation that it will become a one country one system situation. If such situation does happen, it will be a tragedy to the whole world. I can only at this time express grief for the Chinese nation.
MR. DANIEL WONG KWOK-TUNG (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, regarding with the present situation can emigrate, but many others have no choice but to stay in Hong Kong. We have to think about their future. For the time being, we do not discuss the Basic Law until people's fears are calmed down and when the Joint Declaration for the future of Hong Kong as a SAR. The impact is related to a matter of confidence. People in Hong Kong have very great doubt about the Chinese Government and they have lost all confidence in the 'one country, two systems' suggested by the Chinese Government. People decline to continue to discuss the Draft Basic Law again. This appears to be a more practical way. I support the motion.
discuss the Basic Law any more. Under this circumstance, it becomes very doubtful as to whether the Draft Basic Law should be discussed any longer. We think very much to what extent the Chinese Government can keep its words has given before. We must however understand that the Joint Declaration is an international agreement. Hong Kong people have no way to overrule agreement. Moreover the British Government has agreed to implement the Joint Declaration i.e. to return the sovereignty of Hong Kong to China. For this reason we may be regretable if we do not wish to obtain some sort of guarantee.
Since China has guaranteed that Hong Kong would become a Special Administrative Region after 1997, I trust that the Chinese Government will really try hard to achieve that aim. If Hong Kong people surrender the chance, China will make its decision unilaterally. The guarantee which Hong Kong people wish to possess may not appear. Under the circumstance, Hong Kong people should take every possible opportunity to express their views and make great publicity. Therefore I think that we need to discuss the Basic Law as soon as possible and to try hard to have a good piece of Basic Law. After the happening in Beijing, we should try to concentrate on doubtful matter of the Draft Basic Law such as on what circumstance should Chinese laws be applied in Hong Kong. In the future if similar incidents happen we may do similar thing done by the Chinese people in China. Anyway I think we should try to make a perfect Basic Law as soon as possible.
MR. JOSEPH Y. S. CHAN (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, savage acts of the Chinese Leaders have made people in Hong Kong lose every bit of confidence in China. We feel extremely regrettable. It is reasonable not to discuss the Basic Law at this moment in time. It will cause harmful effect on Hong Kong if we discontinue to discuss the Basic Law or surrender the chance in discussing the Draft Basic Law. I hope that ultimately both the British and the Chinese Government will respect the Joint Declaration particularly the 'one country two systems'. The activities of Hong Kong people to fight for more democracy has gained full support, but we should also exercise self-discipline in the role to fight for democracy in Hong Kong. We should not insist on asking the Chinese Authority to give the same degree of democracy to Chinese people. Recently, I heard the slogans that Hong Kong today will be China tomorrow. If this is really the case, then it will make Chinese leaders very fearful and they will take drastic actions.
MISS CECILIA YEUNG (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, in the recent incidents in China, many students and citizens in Beijing were killed just like a massacre, destroying the confidence of Hong Kong people who are very angry and alarmed. At this tragic moment, I would like to suggest a prolongation of the consultation period of the Basic Law until 1990 for the following reasons:
(a) The people of Hong Kong now realize they should regard the Basic Law as their means to secure freedom and democracy, and it is closely related to how their rights can be protected. Therefore, more time is needed for consideration before they make known their views.
(b) In view of the present situation, there is an urgent need for mainland drafters and Hong Kong people to reach consensus on more aspects and for the former to understand the wishes of the latter. More time is required for an exchange of opinions between the two parties, and therefore it is necessary to prolong the consultation period.
(c) Owing to the abrupt change of the situation, one needs more time to consider before making known one's view on the Basic Law.
(d) The student movement of Beijing has evoked upsurge of fervour for freedom and democracy in the local people. Much experience has been absorbed therefrom. So I would like to urge for a prolongation of the consultation period in order to obtain more valuable opinions on which we base to fight for our own rights.
I support the opinions voiced by all my colleagues.
MR. STEPHEN F. C. HO (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, the Chinese Government used violent forces to suppress the students movement in China. I am extremely angry about the massacre in Beijing. On the other hand, I would like to ask the Hong Kong citizens to unite together to maintain prosperity and stability in Hong Kong in order to support the future democratic movement in China. We all know in 1949 and 1961 many people escaped from China and they become members of our various Councils. All along the Chinese have been hard working and we hope to have a peaceful and free life but unfortunately in
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