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the people of Hong Kong. Some even stated privately that they would pledge loyalty to the Provisional Legislature. Mr. Chairman, we are going to have a new Hong Kong version of the 'Exposition of the True Colours of Political Figures' in its 20th century edition of the 90s. In the circumstances, Mr. Chairman, I really respect you because you are so different to have the unique wisdom to say that you are proud of being the first Chairman of the fully-elected Urban Council. You are really a uniquely wise man to remain undefiled in spite of the general trend and say consistently that you are an elected Member. On this day of next year, we will have already returned to the embrace of our home country. At that time, will we just concentrate on earning our bread, struggling for survival and doing business without having the ability to speak up? Is it that we will even lose our courage to speak out the truth and the true feelings of the people of Hong Kong? I would like to offer a piece of advice to those Members who intend to be the mouthpiece of the general public. Please bear in mind that we should have the moral integrity of the Chinese people as embedded in the Chinese saying: 'Even when the supreme commander of the military force is captured, the integrity of individual soldiers should stand.'
Whenever I think of the fact that the fully-elected Urban Council will just last for another hundred days or more, I will be filled with sorrow. The effort that we have made for half a century will all be wasted by then, making us feel sad no matter we stay on or not. Will the Council's strenuous effort in protecting the freedom of artistic creation, performing arts and presentation as well as its determination to respect different cultures arouse the 'fear' of those in the North? Will it make them feel that the Council is a poisonous weed that causes spiritual pollution? These worries really make me feel helpless like the wind blowing without strength and flowers withering without life. As a UC Member of the Democratic Party that takes roots in the grassroots level, I will remain steadfast in my democratic stand and speak out the true feelings of the Hong Kong people as in the past. Even if they are not welcome by the ruling party and present an obstacle to my future advancement, I will still speak out faithfully without holding back anything. I will go on like the silk-worm making silk until the day it dies and the candle dropping tear-like wax until the moment it turns into ashes.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MR. DANIEL TO Boon-man (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, people ask, can the 'Urban Council' serve beyond 1997? I can predict here, 'No doubt the Council will have a smooth transition'. Some of my colleagues have different suggestions. Some worry if they should do this or that .... or do nothing at all. My view is that this Council, which cares for people's livelihood and has nothing to do with the central political power, should not be left in a state of emptiness. As Hong Kong needs a successful transition, the Urban Council will certainly have a smooth transition. We can put our heart at ease.
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