HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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and propaganda. We all know that there is limited freedom in today's China. If we restrict ourselves in the course of artistic pursuits to contents posing no challenge to the ruling ideology, artistic freedom will be lost.
Perhaps we can take a look at the transition period. We are now getting very near to transition of sovereignty and the British Government has made many moves to spread the theory of stability and prosperity. In fact, after 1989, many flyover and tunnel works were all of a sudden shelved because of the 'Rose Garden' plan and the intention to create a grand scene before the British withdrawal. Success in this respect would make Mrs. THATCHER glorious. She would be able to officiate the most spectacular fireworks show in Hong Kong. Plans were also made to build a new airport and other capital works.
The Legislative Council also allocated a lot of resources for celebration activities for the handover. We were presented with plans for band performances, grand feasts etc. In the New Territories, SAR flags and emblems were seen everywhere. They were hoisted at temples and monasteries as well. Our entire community has become red. Looking at things this way, may be we can say that artistic freedom came as an avalanche that used up a large amount of public money.
And yet we cannot tolerate a small pillar. So, even if we go for popularisation, which form of art should be popularised? I am glad to see that the Liberal Party does not support artistic freedom (or liberalism). I think the Liberal Party may as well drop the name ‘Liberal'. We can see that political parties are named 'liberal', 'democratic', 'democratic alliance for betterment' and so on. In fact, these names were inspired by the June 4 incident. Had there not been a June 4 incident, how would they dare to speak of democracy and liberalism under the Chinese rule? A lot of people say they support freedom but..... There are a lot of 'but's. They say they support democracy too with some 'but's. If this is the case, how can democracy ever be realised? I just want to say that if the Urban Council can stand up to protect artistic freedom, we would be honoured. I hope you will support the amendment motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MR. TIM S. Manuel Chan (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I have listened to many speeches. I must say I admire them for harping on the same thing over and over again, I am not accustomed to repetition. I mean I do not want to repeat what others have said, I did consider what to say in my speech. When I studied the original motion and the amendment, I found them both good ones. The only thing is that when Mr. Kwok drafted the original motion, he did not put in artistic freedom because of an oversight. In fact, we do not have difference of opinions on this point. I have known Mr. Kwok for two years and I believe he seconds the amendment as well. So, I think both motions are good ones and that one of them has included several good words like artistic freedom. Colleagues sitting next to me have urged me to do this and that. I have reconsidered and to me, both motions are the same, only that one of them
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