TNAG-1330-FCO40-1757-Future-of-Hong-Kong-test-of-the-acceptability-of-the-Joint-D-1984 — Page 101

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(a)

(b)

the concept would vest powers in the hands of a few selected elite groups thus putting the average citizen in an under-privileged position;

the concept would advocate class distinction and would be

divisive;

(c) members of functional

constituencies would have an unfair advantage over the average citizen, for in addition to the eligibility for electing members to the electoral college under the geographic constituency, they would have an added opportunity by voting through their respective functional constituencies;

(a) Civil Servants would have a great

influence on who should be admitted to the Legislative Council because they would be instrumental in making

(e)

(£)

recommendations on which of the Occupations/professions should be selected to constitute functional constituencies;

the danger of political

manipulation by people with

vested interest was greater in functional constituencies because their base was narrower and the number of electorate smaller;

a simpler way to achieve the aim of retaining the necessary professional talents in the Legislative Council would be to continue adopting the appointment system; and

CONFIDENTIAL