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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Equally too, under the 'One Country-Two Systems' concept, Hong Kong political groups should avoid the temptation of openly participating in political activities on mainland China. Perhaps we in Hong Kong can learn much from how cities like Vienna co-exist politically with their Communist neighbours across their border.
Mr. Chairman, in the past two days we have seen China refusing to accept the return of a number of illegal immigrants from mainland China.
Is this in retaliation for the Hong Kong Government's handling of the Yang Yang case?
If this situation should persist for too long, it could only damage China's image with Hong Kong people and the rest of the world.
China would be seen as punishing the people of Hong Kong, 98% of whom are ethnic Chinese, for something which was not of their own doing.
China's action would be seen to be not designed to build trust and goodwill between the Central Government and Hong Kong people.
Since we all want to keep Hong Kong prosperous and stable, I urge that the Chinese and British Governments resolve this matter urgently and that China resume accepting all those who illegally entered Hong Kong from mainland China without further delay.
Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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The PLA troops that would be assigned to protect Hong Kong should be seasoned troops, well disciplined, and of a higher than average educational level, so as to maintain the confidence of a sophisticated and international community like Hong Kong.
When they are off duty they should not be in uniform. Within the HKSAR territory, they should be subject strictly to the laws governing the HKSAR and administered by the HKSAR courts, and by national laws which do not conflict with the spirit of the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.
Preserving order or if there is need for emergency relief are the responsibility of the HKSAR Government and the PLA troops should be called out to assist only on the initiative of the Chief Executive, supported by a majority vote of the Legislature.
The NPC should be empowered to call out the PLA troops in Hong Kong only in time of war, or if due to turmoil the Chief Executive is unable to exercise his functions or the Legislature is unable to convene.
To strengthen the role of the Hong Kong Police in time of emergency, a local Hong Kong militia force should be organized and be made available to assist the Police Force, on the initiative of the Chief Executive and approved by the Legislature.
Hongkong Civic Association Hilton CHEONG-LEEN Chairman
Appendix 1
13 September 1989
Hong Kong Civic Association's Comments on Articles 14 and 18 HKSAR Basic Law Draft
Stationing of PLA Troops in Hong Kong
Under the Joint Declaration, the right of China to station PLA troops in Hong Kong is indisputable.
Such right has to do with China's sovereignty over Hong Kong, and the protection of Hong Kong against outside military interference should the necessity arise.
However, following the 4 June events, Hong Kong people have been very much worried about having PLA troops stationed in the urban areas or near to townships in the New Territories.
They would much prefer that PLA troops be stationed across the border, even though a military headquarters of the Chinese armed forces would be in Hong Kong, or that the minimum number of PLA troops be stationed within the HKSAR boundary.
Hong Kong Civic Association's Comments on Draft Basic Law
Article 11
Appendix 2
18 September 1989
The Hong Kong Civic Association is concerned that Article 31 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China may conflict with other Articles in the Chinese Constitution providing for the supremacy of the Socialist system, which could undermine the ‘One Country-two Systems' principle and possibly violate the spirit of the Joint Declaration.
The Civic Association consider that Article 11 should be further clarified to the effect that in the event of any conflict between the Constitution and the Basic Law, the Basic Law would prevail if it was enacted by the National People's Congress by a two-thirds majority.
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