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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MISS CECILIA L. Y. YEUNG (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman and Colleagues, I have listened to sound opinions voiced by Councillors in the Urban Council Annual Conventional Debate for 19 years and have been much enlightened by them. The saying that "There is no end to learning" is just my principle of conducting myself and doing things.
As 1997, the year when China resumes sovereignty over Hong Kong, is approaching, we have to be subjected to the impact of related political issues. Therefore our Council should get itself well-prepared to do the utmost for the welfare of Hong Kong people.
(1) With regard to the issue of right of abode in Britain, much effort has been spent by members of various Councils but only a victory which brought about a wry smile has been won. It is evident that Hong Kong has been making contributions for its suzerain state for many years. Now, faced with the problem of confidence, we request a right of returning to our suzerain state. But the answer we got is disappointing. There was an old saying that "The fish trap is abandoned once the fish is caught and the bow will be put away when all the birds are shot." It is beyond my expectation that the idea behind this saying has spread to that country and being made use of. As Hong Kong will be of no use to that country namely Britain after 7 years, the latter only cares for its own good and completely ignores those of the Hong Kong people. So it slams the door in our face to avoid taking on a heavy burden. It is a fact that wherever the Hong Kong people settle, they contribute to the prosperity of those places without being conceited about their contributions. The talents of Hong Kong people can be used in other countries. The authorities of some countries have even seized this opportunity and put up publicity to attract Hong Kong people to emigrate to their countries. The so-called 'immigration by investment' will bring a sharp rise in the demand for landed properties in the country to which Hong Kong people emigrate. This means that the immigration of Hong Kong people will, as a start, bring advantage to that country. Then why should Hong Kong people be rejected? We can be certain that Hong Kong people will be welcome everywhere and that the abilities and intelligence of Hong Kong people are not lower than those of other people. There is one thing which students educated in Hong Kong can be proud of. Their academic achievements in science and mathematics subjects are higher than those of students elsewhere. Therefore, I would like to make an appeal today to the people here. Relying on oneself is better than seeking assistance from others. If unceasing efforts are made to improve oneself, one is bound to make achievements and excel others. If a man is capable, there is always a place for him to make use of his abilities. However, the problem of confidence is a difficult knot for the people of Hong Kong to untie. We must solve this problem ourselves. If we work hard to achieve this goal, we will certainly win the respect of others. We would like to request the Government of our home country to make a statement which will cure the 'emigration syndrome'. That is 'Hong Kong people will have the freedom to enter or leave Hong Kong, before or after Hong Kong reverts to China without being subject to any form of political control.' With the assurance of this statement, the people of Hong Kong will surely set their minds at ease, continue their work and start new enterprises here. They will continue to strive for the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and accept the smooth transition of Hong Kong beyond 1997.
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(2) We are applauding the new projects proposed by the Government, such as the construction of the new airport. Over $10 billion will be spent to give impetus to the prosperity of new Hong Kong. $0.3 billion will be invested in the Centre for Science and Technology which will be in operation in 1991 for the purpose of human resources development in anticipation of future needs. Full of confidence, the Hong Kong Government is putting enormous efforts in the redevelopment of Hong Kong which has attracted corresponding foreign investments. A local developer, the Amoy Properties, succeeded in the bid for the land at the Peak which will be developed into a tourist and shopping centre costing $0.7 billion. Hong Kong Electric is also going to invest $1 billion in its projects. So the property market is booming day after day. There are also lots of other investments in development projects. We therefore have to keep our confidence in order to maintain Hong Kong's reputation as a financial centre in the world. We have to establish a distinctive image in the world and to strengthen our position as the invincible. We have to understand the modern trend: Economy dictates politics. Only if a state prospers will its people be able to live and work in peace and contentment. The people have to become rich first before the state can become strong and get ahead of the others. The Government has determined to go straight forward and therefore embarks on these projects. We are going to have a promising future. If Hong Kong people are not given the confidence they need, major firms will shift the place of registration one after another, resulting in recession and regression. A 'hollowed out' Hong Kong will be a burden to our mother country which should take this point seriously. Otherwise, both itself and others will suffer.
(3) Facing all these sorts of impact, the Government still has the courage and drive to accelerate Hong Kong's development. As the Urban Council is an important organization under the Government and reaches out to the people of Hong Kong, we should be well prepared and should pool the wisdom and efforts of everyone to move forward, heading for the bright future. In the past, the Council never stopped in its development for the benefit of Hong Kong people. We should also put more efforts in the provision of cultural and recreational facilities in conjunction with the forthcoming metropolitan development plan so as to make Hong Kong a good place for sightseeing and to attract overseas visitors. Tourism generates considerable revenue for our economic development. It also provides the impetus to the prosperity of various trades in Hong Kong. It is impractical to indulge in empty talk and be an armchair strategist. We have to act promptly in order not to fall short of Hong Kong people's expectation. The Urban Council should consolidate its own achievements, carry out its works effectively and serve the people, contributing
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