TNAG-1397-FCO40-1869-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1985 — Page 239

17.

The Bill Alters the Structure Laid Down in the

Sino-British Agreement

Ho

Now that the Bill has been passed, the President of the Legislative Council possesses all-might powers like a king. During the transition period, the Hong Kong Governor, in addition to his own appointment, takes over the presidency of the Legislative Council. can dissolve the Council whenever he wishes, influence all the legislative decisions, prohibit the public from attending Council meetings, prohibit the reporting of the contents of the Council meetings and suppress the

unwelcomed voices of the elected members. Under this atmosphere and structure, Hong Kong can hardly enter into a mature democratic era. When 1997 is drawing near and the Governor no longer takes up the presidency of the Legislative Council, a power vacuum will exist. This presidency vested with immense powers will then become the target of all interested

parties. A fierce struggle for it will be inevitable.

At that time, Beijing will find in her hands a hot potato. All

these arrangements are out of her expectation, and she will be placed in

an awkward situation.

There has been heated bargaining during the Sino-British talks, the focus of which was on the administrative power of Hong Kong, in

particular the selection of the chief executive and the appointment of

officials at secretary level. Based on the view-point of not changing the

existing power structure, Beijing has achieved through hard bargaining that

the chief executive shall be selected by election or through consultations held locally and be appointed by the Central People's Government. All these provisions have been included in the agreement.

Under the existing system, the Governor and the Executive Council

possess extensive powers, while the powers of the Legislative Council, which

is of a consultative nature, are limited.