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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
equally disappointing as the proliferation of unlicensed restaurants and the illegal extension of food business have become almost uncontrollable. Despite a number of political shows staged by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Select Committee concerned, the situation has not been improved.
On the question of enhancing the transparency of the allowance system and its accountability, it is merely a series of farces. No progress has been made so far except I was removed unreasonably from the chairmanship of the Working Party. As for the new Chairman, there is nothing worth mentioning. It is only hoped that the 'Independent Review Commission' will expedite its work. In the past year, the withdrawal of Members from the Working Party and replacement of Chairman has discredited the Council, causing the public to lose faith in us. Should you, Mr. Chairman, and the Councillors concerned take the blame and resign?
In May last year, I proposed to set up the 'Working Group on Drafting the Recreation Select Committee's Five-Year Plan'. Fortunately, with the active participation of the Leisure Services Branch staff, and the brilliant ideas and sound proposals put forward by Councillors, remarkable progress has been made. The Working Group has identified promptly the existing problems in sports development, making full use of the Urban Council's resources and facilities by strengthening sports training at intermediate level. And such a move is much appreciated by the sports sector. An exercise of consultation on the 'Five-Year Plan' will begin soon. It is hoped that with the concerted efforts of all parties concerned, we can witness a new phase in our sports development.
If human beings are the wisest of all creatures but not 'starving ghosts', one should learn from his experiences. I would like to sum up two main points which I hope my colleagues would bear in mind on our way to face the tasks and challenges ahead. First of all, let us put away the idea of 'being those in power in a small kingdom', but work in the best interests of the community by respecting public opinions. Secondly, we must show our sincerity in enhancing the transparency and accountability of both the Council and the Department. We must also strengthen our political ethics and credibility in order to build up a positive and high profile image for the Council. On the basis of these two main points, we should continue to strive for improvements so as to accomplish the above tasks. Looking ahead to the future, I have the following opinions:
Adding efficiency to the Council work
1. All Divisions of the Department should give their full support to the 'Five-Year Plan' and implement the various proposals, especially the 'Culture Select Committee's Five-Year Plan' of the Cultural Services Division.