Page 305 of 485
or 485
18
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
professional services rendered by the Stadium Manager falls far short of what is expected. I offer two suggestions to remedy the present situation. First, from a general point of view, we should, through the Board of Governors, play a leading role with the Urban Services Department instead of relying on the so-called 'professional Stadium Manager. We should identify a clear direction and formulate a plan for the Stadium Manager to execute. For instance, an ad hoc group may be formed to map out the general direction for the Stadium before and after 1997. I believe we are more than a venue provider. I hope the Council and the Board of Governors can play a co-ordinating role in planning activities to mark the change of sovereignty. In this connection, I also hope that the Hong Kong Stadium and other Urban Council venues can be put to better use in 1996 and 1997. This is our only chance, and a very good chance at that, to impress upon the public once again the importance of the Stadium and other Urban Council facilities, and to gain their recognition that the Stadium is Hong Kong's representative venue of international standard.
The last issue is about the transition of the Urban Council. I feel that the Urban Council now seems to be uncaring and passive about its own transition beyond 1997. I propose that the Council immediately set up a Select Committee to study the transition of the Urban Council. What should the structure and composition of the post 97 Urban Council be like? We should also reflect our views on this subject to the Chinese Government and the Preparatory Committee. If we are unconcerned about the survival of our Council, I believe it will inevitably meet a tragic fate. I am very worried about the future of the Council. If we cannot address properly in 1996 the two issues mentioned above, namely, the image of the Council and the transition of the Council, the future of the Council will be dismal. In this connection, I hope all of us will work together with one heart for the future of the Council and the well being of the public.
I have just heard the views of several Councillors. They hope the Council will make a favourable turn in various areas of its work. This is also my hope. Mr. Chairman, in the past few years, although I had reservations about the annual Statement of Aims, I supported them out of courtesy. But this year, I can no longer support a 'courtesy' Statement of Aims that lacks a direction and strategy. Yet, I would not object to it, either. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I cast an abstention vote.
Mr. Stephen Wong Hon-ching (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, what I'm going to say today focuses on our recreational, entertainment, sports and cultural facilities. With the rapid growth of the Hong Kong population, I think it is necessary for this Council to conduct a comprehensive review of the above facilities for long-term planning purposes. In the past few years, our slogan 'Enriching City Life' has been widely publicized in Hong Kong, but to achieve our goal, we must step up our efforts.
In these few years, the Council's planning and construction of these facilities cannot meet the actual requirements in terms of speed, quantity and quality. When
Page 305 of 485
Page 305
Page 306