HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 2nd October 1969.
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Hong Kong has the destiny of a mixed civilization. I hope this mixture is largely of the best and not of the worst features of each civilization. In culture, those of individual freedom, unity of the family, and gentility. In law, justice and equality above self-interest; in economy a free enterprise without exploitation; in politics a good administration without corruption.
When people are satisfied with basic protection to life and liberty they want in addition the opportunity to earn a living, to pursue happiness, and a right to govern themselves.
History has shown that when protection to life and liberty is not assured people have demanded and succeeded in self-government. During the last decade or two people who had protection to life and individual freedom sought and attained self-government because of the rise of nationalism.
It is not my intention today to embark on a discourse on the part which nationalism could play here or the advisability of self- government in a situation like that which exists in Hong Kong.
"I am astounded at the folly of leaving to mob caprice and gullibility the selection of political officials-not to speak of leaving it to those shady and wealth-serving strategists who pull the oligarchic wires behind the democratic stage. Whereas in simple matters-like shoe-making-we think only a specially-trained person will serve our purpose, in politics we presume that everyone who knows how to get votes knows how to administer a city or state". I am, of course, quoting Plato but it serves as food for thought for those who wish to have self-government for Hong Kong bearing in mind what is happening in other areas of the world today.
It is my intention to discuss at this cross-country debate the right to earn a living which involves economics and the pursuit of happiness which involves the philosophy of politics.
If there is an economic policy for Hong Kong, it could be broadly defined as a free economy which allows the forces of supply and demand to play. Trade is practically free with only a handful of com- modities being dutiable. Taxation is low and the incentive for enterprise and industry is maintained. It is a classic example of the "invisible hand" of Adam SMITH in operation.
Much could be said for government functions in accordance with new economics if there were acute and chronic unemployment or inflation. Hong Kong is not, however, affected by these scourges of economy as are other countries and, therefore, demonstrates the success of a free economy.
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