TNAG-1286-FCO40-16372-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong.-Part-2-of-2-1984 — Page 68

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(2)

(ii) Some of the seats for the 16 appointed

Unofficial Members should be reserved for

members from direct election. This proposal may result in producing (directly and

indirectly) elected Legislative Councillors representing different social strata of the

community, hence the likelihood of having varying viewpoints towards public issues.

Yet,

I do hope that those who become members of the

Legislative Council by way of direct election

will not be too proud of themselves and look

down on the others as if they have had the

mandate from the whole community. It is hoped

that all Councillors, be they directly or

indirectly elected, will make concerted efforts

to serve the people. If they abide by the

objective to create a prosperous and better

society, no obstacles can debar them from such

pursuit. I am convinced that "trials always

lead to success." Although it is said that to

start something is hard and that it is natural

'to meet with lots of hardship in the very first

beginning, all difficulties can be surmounted

if we keep on trying hard and are of one mind.

I am sure that with the experience gained from

indirect election for 3 years, the people will

have a very good understanding of the electoral

system which will enable them to proceed to the

system of direct election as another step

forward in the process of democracy.

The civic education and political knowledge of the people

of Hong Kong have not yet reached a mature stage. This

is the main point to be taken into consideration for

implementating a democratic system progressively. We are

not worried that we do not have learned and broad-minded

political talents. What worries us is that the people do

not have a deep understanding of representative

government. As a matter of fact, the success of the

system will depend on the ability and the degree of