-
- 2 -
Speaking at a luncheon jointly organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo, Japan Hong Kong Society and Hong Kong Japan Business Cooperation Committee, Mr Patten said Hong Kong would continue to thrive if the public and the Government remained united in their opposition to corruption and cronyism.
He noted that an important factor in fighting corruption was political will. While there was at present the political will to stamp down on corruption wherever it occurred, he thought that the will should exist after 1997 as most of the senior officials who would not turn a blind eye to corruption would continue to serve Hong Kong after the handover.
Mr Patten added that Hong Kong would continue to grow and prosper if China trusts Hong Kong.
He said: "All that China needs to do is to relax about Hong Kong and to show two qualities which perhaps pull in rather different directions.
"First, I hope they will manage Hong Kong's affairs with a light touch so as to ensure Hong Kong's continuing autonomy. Second, on the other hand I hope they will show a strong hand in insulating Hong Kong from political and commercial pressures in China," Mr Patten said during his second day of public activities in Japan.
In addition to the Prime Minster and Foreign Minister, the Governor also called on Japan's Minister of Finance, Hon Hiroshi Mitsuzuka; and the Minister for International Trade and Industry, Hon Shinji Sato after officiating at the opening of the Hong Kong Business Seminar attended by more than 600 Japanese businessmen.
In the afternoon, Mr Patten called on the President of the new Frontier Party, Hon Ichiro Ozawa; and the former Prime Minister and Senior Advisor of the New Frontier Party, Hon Toshiki Kaifu.
The Governor will continue with his visit tomorrow in Tokyo before going to Osaka and Kyoto. He will return to Hong Kong on Sunday (December 1).
End