MATTNICE
IN CONFIDENCE
PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT
4.3 The absence of democratic institutions in Hong Kong has recently led to a small number of protests from a few people who believe that the general public should have a greater say in the way the territory is run. Because of the territory's special position vis-à-vis China, there is no possibility of its ever becoming independent. The normal policy in dependent territories of encouraging the development of local democratic procedures, as
part of the process of moving towards self-government and ultimate independence, does not therefore apply in Hong Kong.
4.4 The Hong Kong Government are aware of the need, because of the territory's special political circumstances, to devise ways of making the government responsive to public opinion. In selecting unofficial members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, the
Governor now endeavours to make the Councils representative of as broad a cross-section of Hong Kong society as possible. Recent appointments have included a trade unionist, social workers, teachers
and priests, as well as the businessmen, bankers and lawyers who
have traditionally served on the Councils.
4.5 There are also a large number of official and unofficial advisory committees and local community organisations which have been developed to provide channels of communication between the government and the general public. The City District Officers in the urban areas, and the District Officers in the New Territories
fulfil a similar function.
4.6 There is little evidence that the discontent with the lack
of democratic institutions is shared by more than a small minority
of the Hong Kong population. The Government have made it clear that they are not opposed to further reforms when the time is appropriate, but that for the moment they believe that the present stability and prosperity of Hong Kong should not be put at risk by introducing changes in current circumstances.
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