TNAG-1286-FCO40-16372-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong.-Part-2-of-2-1984 — Page 92

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

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are still others who may want to play safe, hoping that someone else will stand up to speak for them. I hope that the people of Hong Kong will break their silence. To remain silent is tantamount to giving up their rights and may thus give other people a good opportunity to carry out as they wish policies which may not be compatible with the will of the public. The people of Hong Kong, especially 'the silent majority', should try as soon as possible to air their views. Representative

government is an issue that concerns everybody. If we keep silent, a good proposal may be obliterated because of lack of clear support; while on the other hand an unreasonable proposal

may be implemented because of our silence. In the end, who

stands to lose?

I feel that the government should use various means to

encourage and facilitate the 'silent majority' to express their

views. The existing channels, such as the District Boards and

District Offices etc. are undoubtedly useful, yet new means

like the survey of attitude towards housing should be seriously

considered. If public housing policies are important, then

representative government has even more far-reaching

influence. Of course, before conducting surveys and making

individual interviews, the government has the responsibility of

making the people of Hong Kong aware of the contents of the

Green Paper and its significance. I believe that the government is capable of achieving this. It is, however, most

important that the government is seen to take the initiative of

collecting public opinion, thus the people would feel that

their opinions are valued by the Government.

Sir, with these observations, I support the motion.

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