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That's one of the clearest examples of the extraordinary stability which has accompanied our prosperity as a community. Now that doesn't mean that we're boring or uninterested in the world around us or politically quiescent. This is a lively, argumentative place. We've probably got more newspapers and journals for our size than anywhere else in Asia or even the world. People get involved in the life of their community. They join churches. They join social clubs. They join charitable bodies. They take part in the life of their business organisations or professions. They join action groups. They petition for better housing and a quieter environment. They argue for better welfare benefits and better services for our older citizens. They march and demonstrate, by and large peacefully, in far larger numbers than used to be the case, using the safety valves for blowing off steam which exist in every successful open society. But I repeat, they do all these things peacefully and with great moderation. This is a vibrant society and it's a responsible society as well. So, greater civic consciousness, more political activity, have been in a way a reflection of our stability just as they've helped to give that stability stronger foundations.
A word we've heard a lot of in recent months is reality. Well, the reality is that Hong Kong is a great city. A success story, almost without parallel. A community with a pretty good government, run by an excellent largely Chinese civil service. Low crime. Excellent police. Competitive businesses. The rule of law. It's argumentative and free. Open and responsible. Moderate and fair. "A slice of the future" as an American newspaper called it. A model for Asia, bringing together the best of East and West. That's Hong Kong today. Not something you need to speculate about. Something you live and breathe every day. That's our Hong Kong, that's your Hong Kong, and I'm sure that you'll keep it that way.
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Year of Heritage commemorative cover put on sale
The Year of Heritage, which aims to raise the understanding and awareness of the general public to local heritage and thereby increase commitment to its protection for future generations, is gaining momentum with the issuance of a commemorative cover to mark the opening ceremony.
The souvenir cover is the first in a series of special postal items to commemorate the various functions of the Year of Heritage and raise funds for the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust.
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