TNAG-0944-FCO40-1163-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 113

The Hong Kong Daily News

8.6.80

The Express 7.6.80

The Hong Kong Times 7.6.80

Sing Pao 7.6.80

Sing Tao Jih Pao

7.6.80

PART II

Extracts from Editorials

ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS SUPPORTED IN PRINCIPLE

We feel that the spirit of the Green Paper is, first of all, to make appropriate. arrangements to cope with Hong Kong's social development. .. The district board proposal has clearly indicated that the Government will pay more attention to public opinion and will use it as a basis for implementing wide-ranging and complex policies.

From a practical point of view, we believe that a constituency system is indispensable to closer, direct co-operation between the Government and the public in district administration.

A proposal in the Green Paper to extend the franchise will surely be welcomed by the public in general. But we fear that the idea of changing Urban Council elections from a territory-wide basis to a constituency pattern may be impractical in Hong Kong's circumstances and may result in a situation where the work of the council will duplicate that of the proposed district boards.

As long as Hong Kong's status quo and political system are maintained, proposals for gradual and moderate reforms of certain administrative procedures and urban services will correspond with public wishes.

Before the Government releases a white paper (on district administration) and draws up new legislation, it is necessary for the authorities concerned to give careful thoughts to the scope of the district boards and the capabilities of their members to avoid controversies similar to that over the Urban Council.

The extension of the franchise is but a reform in one aspect. Apart from this, changes should be made in another area major reforms should be proposed for the Urban Council and its electoral procedures. By carrying out reforms in both areas, members of the public will build up their interest in the reforms and the future of Hong Kong and will, as a result, develop a sense of belonging.

We think the principles behind the Green Paper are very good. If constructive reforms are introduced, relations between the Government and the public will become closer and more harmonious.

But, will members of the public be enthusiastic about taking part in district administration? . . . In the urban area, all eligible voters usually respond to every Urban Council election with a "couldn't-care-less" attitude.

This is because the position and views of elected councillors are not given any weight in the council. Therefore, unless the Urban Council becomes fully elected to make it a true voice of the people, eligible voters will give up their right to vote without any sense of loss.

If the Urban Council is given more powers, the proposed constituency system will take on greater significance.

We support the Government's move to improve the existing administrative system by proposing a constituency system. But it seems that there will be no clear division between the executive and legislative branches of government if the system of Urban Council elections is affected by administrative reforms. We feel that where the Urban Council is involved, the matter should be handled separately.