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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Out of my own conscience, I would like to give the following advice to the leaders of my country and Hong Kong's politicians:
We talk about the idea of ‘one country two systems' it is nothing new. But many politicians are scared but actually that is nothing new, is not a new concept after all. To explain this, I would like to give an account of the way ancient China ruled its vassal states. There are numerous examples. Since the Tang and Yuan Dynasties, measures had been formulated to govern foreign tribes who submitted themselves to the rule of China. In every dynasty, emphasis was put on rule of virtue as well as on culture and education in order to foster obedience of the vassal states. Every year, tribute had to be paid to the imperial court by envoys along with treasures and native products to show the vassal states' submissiveness and gratitude. Thus the provenance of the term 'tribute'. Nowadays, society has advanced, and Hong Kong is no vassal state or member state. In the near future, Hong Kong will be returned to China. Every time when I consider the sovereignty issue, I feel that the examples of China's ancient vassal states provide a valuable reference for the design of today's political system. In regards of the return of Hong Kong's sovereignty, I agree that representatives of China and Britain should discuss details of the handover with deliberation. China should be serious and just in attitude especially when facing condemnation from the world. When it comes to dealing with the internal affairs of Hong Kong, I, however, would like to stress the 'importance of amicability'. That is, the Chinese leaders should have a 'kind of loving heart towards its people', while Hong Kong people should adopt a 'patriotic attitude towards China'. I firmly believe that the great majority of people of HK love their mother country and long for peace. It is only through cooperation of the government and the public to foster a sense of belonging by 'working as a member of the same clan to solve problems and make improvements' that the affairs of one's clan and country can be handled in the most satisfactory way!
In conclusion, if the leaders of Hong Kong or China wholeheartedly follow the above mentioned principle in solving difficult problems and working to improve the political system, both Hong Kong and China can have better and more benefits and can foster a 'sound government under which its people live happily.'
Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.
(The Chairman declared a recess at 4.10 p.m. and the meeting resumed at 4.20 p.m.)
(Messrs. John K. P. FAN, CHAN Kwok-ming, CHOW Wai-keung, Marvin CHEUNG Kin-tung, Dickson PANG Kam-fai and Dr. Stan CHEUNG Tsang-kay left the meeting after the recess.)
MR. TONG KAM-BIU (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, the period of public consultation on the Draft Basic Law is going to end soon. The Drafting Committee has also decided to submit the final version to the National People's Congress of China for ratification next year. Although 'men of insight' from various sectors have recently called for 'rationality, solidarity, consensus and stability', I, as a grassroot citizen, have the following to say from the bottom of my heart.
According to the outcome of the Sino-British talks, Hong Kong shall practise the principle of 'one country, two systems', enjoy ‘a high degree of autonomy' and remain 'unchanged for 50 years' as from 1997 onwards. But now time is running short and Hong Kong people find that both the Chinese and British Governments are no longer trustworthy. To our understanding, Hong Kong people cannot decide their own destiny and there is the fear that everything will be lost all of a sudden. Who is willing to listen to our voices? Who is willing to understand? Are we to place our trust in China, Britain or other countries? Who can speak for us and for Hong Kong?
On 4 June, in a state of anger, shock and helplessness, Hong Kong people watched on television the stark scenes of violent suppression by tanks and troops armed with machine guns in Beijing. All of a sudden, we realize what the future HKSAR will be after 1997. Hong Kong will revert to its mother country in 1997. But what sort of a mother country is it? How can we really build up our confidence?
Looking at the logo 'Get involved; Get to know the Basic Law' (like two leaves with a circle in between), I cannot help associating it with that of the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (also like two leaves but with a pointed shape in between). Both logos are rather similar. But do they share the same meaning? Does it mean that to ‘Get involved; Get to know the Basic Law' is to anticipate recovery in the Society for Rehabilitation? Are Hong Kong people 'Wai Ji' (meaning wisdom-borne)? Are they in need of 'Kai Chi' (meaning enlightenment)? (‘Wai Ji' and 'Kai Chi' are the names of the two schools for the mentally handicapped.) Alas! Besides sighing, I can only quote the following lines from a ci poem to express the feelings of contradiction and helplessness of those grassroot citizens who will not or cannot leave Hong Kong in 1997.
'Against man she should have no spite.
Why then when people part is she oft full and bright? Men have sorrow and joy, they part or meet again;
The moon may be bright or dim, she may wax or wane. There has been nothing perfect since the olden days.
So let us wish that man
Will live long as he can!
Though miles apart, we'll share the beauty she displays.'
(Translation extracted from '100 Tang and Song Ci Poems' by Xu Yuan-zhong)
Finally, regarding the 'political structure' to be stipulated in the Draft Basic Law, I very much agree to the 'OMELCO consensus' as proposed by members of the Executive and Legislative Councils. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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