TNAG-1396-FCO40-1868-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1985 — Page 63

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The paper contended that it was constitutionally wrong to appoint Ji Pengfei to head the committee because he was a representative of the government. It regretted that on the drafting group were quite a number of people over the age of 70. A few of them were over 80 and their working abilities were in doubt.

To enable the HK members to play their role properly and to be responsible to HK people, the paper renewed its suggestion for the inclusion of all the 23 HK members in the consultative committee, which should have the equal status as the drafting group.

Ming Pao commented positively on the membership. It was happy that

"Although four local people were appointed vice-chairmen of the committee. Xu Jiatun takes up the post of vice-chairman in the capacity as an officer in charge of a department in China, he can be regarded as a HK member because he works in HK, knows HK affairs well and always speaks for HK's interests. Therefore, it can be said that there are five HK vice-chairmen on the committee. The fact that the names of four of them are put on the top showed that HK people would play an important role in the drafting

committee.'

On remarks that most of the HK members were relatively conservative and represented the interests of capitalism, the paper said it was more appropriate for these people to sit on the committee because the Basic Law should aim at preserving the existing social and economic systems and lifestyle after 1997 instead of seeking changes.

The paper was glad that the 36 members from China were either well acquainted with the situation and needs of HK or had a deep understanding of the importance of the rule of law and laws, and that none of them was an

extreme leftist. "In short, the membership is in line with the basic

principle of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.'

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In a similar mood, Wah Kiu Yat Po agreed that the appointment of experienced and prominent figures in the community to the drafting group would provide the best guarantee for the preservation of HK's stability and prosperity. The announcement of the membership would help remove the worries of HK people, the paper added.

Ling Fung of the HK Economic Journal said the fact that Xu Jiatun wanted to include Sir Sze-yuen in the drafting committee was only a united front tactic. A columnist of the Financial Daily said one should not pin high hopes on the drafting committee. The problem would be resolved only if the consultative committee could play its role properly.