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Motion debate on provisional legislature
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Nicholas Ng, in the Legislative Council motion debate on provisional legislature today (Thursday):
Mr President,
In discussing the arrangements for the post-1997 legislature, the key points are that the Joint Declaration provides for the legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to be constituted by election; and that the Basic Law and the associated NPC Decision set out the manner in which the first SAR legislature is to be composed. The Chinese Government have, on many occasions, affirmed their commitment to abide by the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.
It is clearly in Hong Kong's interests that the Legislative Council to be elected in September 1995 is able to serve its full term to 1999. In that way, we will have an experienced legislature in place on 1 July 1997 which commands the confidence of the community. This, in our judgment, is the best way to avoid confusion or disruption in our legislative affairs. And there is no reason why that should not be. The electoral arrangements for 1995 are open and fair. They are also consistent with the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. They meet the community's wish for credible representative institutions which are capable of achieving continuity after 1997. They have, of course, been approved by this Council, on behalf of the people of Hong Kong.
The results of this year's voter registration exercise amply underlines public support of the electoral arrangements. They lay a solid foundation for the election of a broadly based and representative legislature in September. I have no doubt that on polling day, electors will exercise their right responsibly and maturely, as they have done on all previous elections. Equally, I have no doubt that, like its predecessors, the new Legislative Council will act in long-term interests, of Hong Kong.
No doubt, China can make other arrangements in 1997 if they so wish. That would be within their powers. But if the Chinese government were to do so, it would be for them to explain to the people of Hong Kong why that is necessary, what precisely the new arrangements are, how they are compatible with the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, and why such changes are conducive to a smooth transition and the maintenance of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.
GOT
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