TNAG-1286-FCO40-16372-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong.-Part-2-of-2-1984 — Page 61

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is all the more remarkable as all these were achieved without

any substantial financial aid from other countries of this

world. Above all, the people of Hong Kong has, enjoyed as

always, all the freedoms and human rights which must be

accepted as the basic foundation of any democratic system of

Government. In my view, if Hong Kong has not progressed to the

satisfaction of the majority of our people, there would not have been such a degree of widespread concern over possible

changes to our future and that the public would not have

attached such great importance to the maintenance of freedoms

as part and parcel of future stability and prosperity. Therefore, let us recognise and accept the fact that our system

of Government has served us very well in the past and it would

be unwise indeed to advocate drastic changes on idealistic

grounds alone. This is particularly so to-date when our

citizens already face many worries and frustrations over the issue of our future. Leaving aside what may happen to Hong Kong, after thirteen years time, our survival for the next few

important years depends on one and one criteria alone and that

is the continued stability of our society. Any changes proposed to the structure of Government must satisfy this important criterion. We must make sure that whatever changes to be made must not have the effect of further damaging the confidence of our professionals, local investors as well as foreign investors for they currently form the backbone to the well being of our economy and if this sector of our community does decide to hold back permanently their investments, then, to maintain stability of our economy will be a definite uphill struggle and the subsequent adverse consequences to the community will be unthinkable. Why then, does this sector of our community have such deep rooted reservations on a system of Government with the legislature elected by direct elections. The reasons as expressed to me through discussions with the business circle are first, Hong Kong public has been apathetic against public affairs in general and politics in particular. This can be seen by the poor interest displayed in past

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