XN000022-1997-01-23 — Page 8

- 7

There was a very good speech by the honourable member Mr Edward Ho:

-

"As the sovereignty over Hong Kong, a blatantly capitalist society, will be transferred back to China, a steadfast communist society" - the honourable member's words "there is a natural and deep concern amongst the people of Hong Kong that the values attached to fundamental freedoms and rights of the individual, as we know them, will be different. Few would disagree with me that our worst fear of the future is not so much a lowering of our standard of living; but the diminution of our freedoms, and the rule of law. Thus, it is natural that the people of Hong Kong desire that their civil liberties be codified and enshrined in the legal system, so that, as far as possible, such liberties would be protected against the abuse of public powers."

The honourable gentleman then made a passionate and extremely well- informed contribution to the question of whether or not the Bill of Rights would contravene the Basic Law and whether or not it would take precedence over the Basic Law. And he came down on the same side as Maria Tam on those issues - and I hope that he still does.

We had an extraordinarily good speech, as well, from the honourable member Selina Chow, and I want to conclude this anthology with the honourable member's remarks:

"I am convinced"- 27 June 1990 - "I am convinced a Bill of Rights however imperfect, will boost the confidence of our people. It should be seen as an integral part of our democratic evolution."

I'm not quite sure where the provisional legislature fits in to our democratic evolution.

"I cannot agree with the thinking that we should fet well alone. Is that not a familiar system? The fundamental flaw in the 'Don't rock the boat' school of thought is a failure to recognise that the boat is rocking."

You can say that again.

"Sir there is much to be done and we have lost much time. 1 appeal to Government to do all it can to promote the concept of human rights within a free and responsible society in anticipation of the Bill which clearly enjoys the support of our people."