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DRAFT SPEECH BY HON. STEPHEN CHEONG, JP
ON UNOFFICIAL MEMBER'S MOTION
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 2.8.84
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sir,
Two weeks ago in this Chamber, you introduced to us and to the people of Hong kong, the Green Paper on the Further Development of Representative Government in Hong Kong. The fact that you Sir have chosen to introduce the paper yourself underlines the importance of this subject. At this juncture of our history when our long term future will be sure to face changes, it is all the more vital for the people of Hong Kong to become more interested and more involved in public affairs. Hopefully therefore, this debate will serve as a catalyst in stimulating more thoughts and views from the public so that the white paper, when finalised, will be that much more objective and that much more complete after taking into account of views from different sectors of the community. Already, during the past two weeks, there were a lot of comments on the Green Paper reported by the media. Some were critical, whilst some were supportive of the proposals. By and large, it is true to say that major criticisms from vocal groups were directed to that the proposals did not positively include an elements of direct election to the legislature. On this particular point, having studied the Green Paper carefully, having discussed the Green Paper with groups of people from different sectors and finally, having gone through an intensive exercise of soul searching and clear thinking on this subject, I am of the view that the proposals of the Green Paper should be supported. I will in this debate first outline my reasons for supporting the proposals of the Green Paper, and secondly make some specific recommendations to provide further food for thought for the Administration. But before I bore Hon. Members of this Council with my somewhat lengthy presentation, I wish to mention with your permission Sir, that I have had an exchange of ideas with my colleague the Hon. F.K. HU who, being out of town, regrets for not being able to take part in this debate. He shares my
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