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Legislative Council which has no acceptability, are examples of regression in democracy.
On the other side of our country which has a different system, there is an atmosphere of white terror pervading the air. The heavy sentence passed by the Chinese Central Government on dissidents like Xu Wen-li, WANG You-cai and QIN Yong-min on the groundless charge of “subversion against state power" is totally a contempt of the constitution and a trampling on the rights of forming a party, of speech and of association.
The Chinese Government has earlier signed the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which give her people as well as the international community the impression that she is becoming more open. However, as Li Peng, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said some time ago that "no opposition party is allowed in China", this very fond dream of the world has been shattered. China still adheres to a policy which ignores human rights.
The heavy sentence passed on XU Wen-li and other dissidents on charges of "subversion against state power" has exposed the Chinese Government's prompt suppression of dissidents in a high-handed manner. Actually, these people are merely lawfully exercising their rights under the Covenant on Civil Rights as well as their constitutional right of association.
Finally, back in Hong Kong which is being governed under the "One Country, Two Systems" concept, we are facing a regression in democracy. Though we are much the lucky ones when comparing with the massive arrests and persecutions in the Mainland, we should not be contented with our situation here naively. As to the totalitarianism of the Beijing and even the SAR Governments, I hope they could have a good reflection - only fragile regimes would be afraid of democracy and dissenting voices and a mere stroke of counter current could not repress the mighty torrent of democracy. It is my hope that the totalitarians would repent and return the power of government to the people.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I support the motion.
The Chairman (in Cantonese):--
That concludes the business of today. The Council stands adjourned until Thursday, 14 January 1999, on which day other Members will resume the Debate.
Adjournment: 5:06 p.m.
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