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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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China and Britain are now having a dispute on the issue of political system, and they have shifted the responsibility onto the Hong Kong people, letting them bear the consequences alone. China has made promises to the Hong Kong people, which have been clearly set out in the Basic Law. However, the Sino-British row has shaken China's will in fulfilling its promises and caused her to put forward provisional legislative proposals to amend the Basic Law. As the law of the future SAR, the Basic Law should not be amended before 1997, although such amendment can be initiated by the National People's Congress (NPC). Over the years, numerous Chinese officials have made promises on different public occasions to the Hong Kong people that the NPC would not amend the Basic Law. Will Chinese Officials please listen: Please do not impose the consequences of the Sino-British row on the Hong Kong people.
With regard to people's livelihood, my main target remains to improve Government housing policy and municipal services. Housing policy is one aspect which the ADPL has attached great importance to. Since 1953, over one half of our population have moved into public housing estates. Both the ADPL and I think that housing means not only a place of shelter but also a certain standard of living environment. Last year, I have devoted my efforts to the issues of overcrowded families as well as management problems and increase in management fee in Siu On Court, Tuen Mun. I have also strived to set up a Housing Estates Management Advisory Committee. Although some achievements have been made in these areas, we will continue to strive for better security facilities in public housing estates and a 90% mortgage for first-time home buyers.
In the year 94/95, I have carried out several tasks related to the urban services. They are briefly mentioned below for your reference.
In the past year, I have worked with the Urban Services Department on the redevelopment of Sham Shui Po Market, as well as resiting Sham Shui Po's itinerant and unlicensed hawkers. I also dealt with issues concerning the joint municipal councils' takeover of the Music Office, and the development and personnel issues of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.
In respect of the Sino-British row, I sincerely hope that the Chinese and British sides can step up the work of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group. On the issues of the localization of laws, the continuation of the Civil Service beyond 1997 and passports of the Hong Kong people, I hope an agreement can be reached and related work commence as soon as possible. Regarding the Court of Final Appeal and the introduction of a general pension scheme, we hope both the Chinese and British sides can place the interests of Hong Kong people in the forefront and reach an agreement as soon as possible which is in the interest of Hong Kong people and conforms to the Basic Law. The ADPL will continue to try reflecting public opinions on the above issues to the Chinese side through various channels. We hope that the Chinese side can listen, with respect and an open mind, to the opinions of Hong Kong people and different political groups. The Chinese side should avoid taking the opinions of the Preliminary Working Committee, which operates behind closed doors, for those of the Hong Kong people.
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In the municipal councils election in 1995, the appointed seats will be cancelled. The municipal council will be composed of members returned by direct and indirect elections. I believe this is a historic moment which Hong Kong people and we have long fought for and aspired to see. This is also a further step forward to democratization of the district structures. I sincerely hope that after the direct elections, the municipal councils will continue to operate as district councils, and bring in a new scene. Members can, through discussion in the councils, carry out a comprehensive study on whether the present policies should continue or need amendment in order to further improve life in Hong Kong.
Mr. Chairman, since I do not intend to stand for the Urban Council election in March 1995, I believe this is the last time I speak in the annual debate since I joined the Urban Council in 1983. Looking back on the past 12 years, I have the following observations:
(1) Political experience: Being elected to the UC has given me a chance to participate in political affairs. In the UC, I have taken part in the work of various committees, where I have learnt of the working relationship between the Council and government departments. Through my work in the committees, I have also recognized the need to lobby other Councillors. Only through the process of lobbying could we reach a consensus which would become the decision of the committee concerned. This experience of participating in political affairs through the Council is very precious to me.
(2) Cooperation experience with government departments: Government departments are both our partners and opponents. They are our partners because the Council has to rely on them to carry out its policies or its policies could never be implemented. However, government departments are also our opponents since the Council has to rely on them to execute its decisions properly and to gauge public response in respect of these policies. The government also has to clearly explain its work to the Council and draw conclusions so that policies can be amended accordingly. If things do not work out this way, there must be some conflicts among government departments, the administration and the decision-maker. I have accumulated valuable experience in cooperating with government departments during my 12 years' service in the UC. Having been an Urban Councillor for 12 years, I have acquired considerable resources, including the status of an Urban Councillor. As a Councillor, I have been able to liaise with other government departments apart from the USD and they listen to me because I am an Urban Councillor. Moreover, during my visits to some districts, the more conservative districts in particular, kaifong leaders, who have once treated pressure groups as the 'Five Black Categories', have adopted an entirely different attitude toward me since I have become an Urban Councillor.
(3) Increase of financial resources: Allowance granted to UC Members has made it possible for me to open a Member's office in the district, recruit staff, organize activities, and carry out surveys on the needs of the people. All these things have helped to enhance my role as a representative of the people.
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