TNAG-0730-FCO40-934-Representations-by-Reform-Club-of-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 27

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(iv)

It is extremely difficult if not impossible to conceive, therefore, that such proposed reform may worsen the good relationship between United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China as the status quo of the Hong Kong Government remains unchanged.

We appreciate the work preformed by the appointed unofficial members in the Legislative Council, the services rendered by the Umelco, the even more extensive Urban Council Ward System and the City District Offices, as well as the establishment of the mutual aid committees, but we strongly advocate that all these are not and cannot be satisfactory alternative to the election to the Legislative Council which election is the only effective means to bridge the gap between the Government and the people in all democracies. They are really only second best to a really efficient ombudsman organisation! The Reform Club's proposal for direct elections to the Legislative Council would enable the Hong Kong government to be built on a much sounder foundation by providing an effective receptacle for public opinion to be officially expressed with the consequence of making Hong Kong a much more healthy society.

If the proposed reform is accepted, we visualize that the elected members, subject to gradual increase, will always be in a minority but their presence in the role of a healthy opposition in the Legislative Council would give the over

four million citizens an effective means to air their views

and grievances. By allowing them a chance to let off their steam, the government will become less rigid but more flexible, and this is essential when meeting any adverse and unforeseen contingency that may arise in any society.

F

The population of Hong Kong is yound and many of them are grown up after the Second World War. A huge majority of them were born in Hong Kong and are bona fide and permanent residents here. The Reform Club strongly advocated that there is everything to gain and nothing to lose in allowing them participation in the running of their own affairs. The progress and success of the Hong Kong people have justified them such opportunity. A serious warning note must be struck if they are further deprived of such freedom of political participation.