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Students in language bid
THE HONGKONG Federation of Students has prepared a detailed legal document telling the Government how it should declare Chinese an
S officia! language.
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Young law students drew up the docu- ment, which has been handed to members of the
Executive and Legislative Councils.
A federation spokesman said it was hoped the document Merry serve as example for more concrete discussion.”
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The federation's Legal Sub-Committee of the Chinese Language Study Committee spent several weeks preparing the legal submissions
the Government. M They recommended that both the Chinese and English languages should be made official through formal legislation in the Legislative Council.
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Firm
The Government- appointed Chinese Language Committee, in its recent final report, said the Government should consider promulgating a firm policy, in a suitable manner, that Chinese and English become official languages.
Federation members say the committee failed to recommend to the Government how Chinese and English should be declared, official languages.
"That's why we decided to help out," said one federation member.
"We hope we can move dings along a bit faster.'
Part of the students' report warns that legal action can be taken if the Government declares Chinese an official language - and then fails to observe it.
It said: “An individua! of the public can apply for a writ from the
to
Supreme Court compel the relevant Government department to abide by the law.”
Passing the report to members of UMELCO (Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils), the federation stated:
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"We recognise that pics E
Unofficial Members exercise considerable influence on Government policy. We strongly urged UMELCO to recommend to the Government that legislation be enacted.
"The federation is confident that UMELCO can identify itself with the people of Hongkong and live up to public. expectations.
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KITUON
UMELCO appeal in language issue
STUDENT language campaigners yesterday met UMELCO members and asked them to urge the Government to shape new laws declaring Chinese as an official language in Hongkong.
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The students presented for reference a copy of dratt legislation prepared by several Hongkong University law studies.
The legislation seeks to declare Chines and English official languages in Hongkong with equal status, and to delmé the use of Chinese in specific
areas,
The students, headed by Mr James Chui, language action committee chairman of the Hongkong Federation of Students, discussed the issue with UMELCO members,. Sir, Kenneth Ping fan, Fung,,and, Ms.
"PRITLCD members,. Sa Kenneth Ping fan, Fung,, and, Mt. P.C, Woo.
The federation is opposed" to a mere Government policy statement, and considers legislation essential to guarantee the use of Chinese,” said Mr Chui.
He said UMELCO could have a big influence on Government polley and said he hoped UMPICO would live up to publje gxpectat
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