TNAG-1310-FCO40-1667-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 216

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — 14 March 1984

35

Now that the misunderstandings have been clarified, I wish to take this rtunity to dwell on two major concerns of the local people about our future, trusting that my Honourable colleagues have or will have covered the whole spectrum of the intricacies of the issue. No one will dispute that Hong Kong's success owes much to its free institutions and the rule of law. One important characteristic inherent in them is that of independence and autonomy. We have an autonomous government, an independent judicial system and an efficient civil service. Though these institutions are in theory subject to the pleasure of Her Majesty, they are effectively insulated from the exercise of arbitrary power by the British Government. It is because of this independence that Hong Kong has been able to pursue policies sometimes radically different from those in Britain and attuned to our special circumstances. Let us not say farewell to this time-honoured insulation characteristic in defining or proposing the future administrative system for Hong Kong. A number of formulae have been suggested to retain this insulation. They include the establishment of a consultative council, comprising local and international elements, the ratifica- tion of the agreement for Hong Kong's future by a third party, and an independent judicial system with the supreme court of appeal located in Hong Kong. I think they can all be combined. Together with maintaining the existing international commercial interests, they will provide the necessary insulation against any external influence.

I believe that there are bound to be changes to Hong Kong when the proposed solution to our future leads towards greater self-administration. The popular wish for an undisturbed way of life and a continued economic growth after 1997 is contingent upon a smooth transformation. This calls for the Hong Kong Government's attention to making early transitional arrangements. The speed at which the top level of civil service is to be localized should be further accelerated. More importantly, localization should be applied with equal vigour to the non-professional departments and at the Secretariat Branch level. The expanding local administration structure under current consideration is a step in the right direction. The widening use of the Chinese language in the judicial sector will be in the interest of maintaining the continuity of the current system of law and justice in the post-1997 Hong Kong, providing an important legal framework for the future administrative structure and for preservation of human rights and freedom. Lastly, the younger generation must be assisted to achieve a heightened political consciousness, so that they may function more effectively in the future Hong Kong. At schools, the curriculum should be revised to give more room for civic and political knowledge. For those at work, adult education should be trimmed to that effect.

With these remarks, Sir, I have much pleasure in supporting the motion.

MR. ALLEN LEE:-Sir, 1997 has dominated our news media throughout 1983. It is by far the most important subject in our history, as it concerns our future and that of our children and their children. The Unofficial Members of this Council are no exception. 1997 is the most talked about subject in our deliberations. Our