TNAG-1440-FCO40-1924-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 204

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

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important in the Dergist new of HK in бишинату

Western local municipal Government a taches great

importance to sensitive and efficient response to the everchanging

economic movements. In other words, the executive authorities must

be capable, having adequate decision-making pover and unimpeded by

the endless bickering of parliamentary politic and dispute over

trifles. The major economic cities in America and Western Europe

all adopt the system where the executive plays a leading role.

Hong Kong as an international financial centre, economic centre and

free port, has to gain a foothold in competing with other major

economic cities in the world. Tokyo may become the financial centre

of Asia in future. It is already poised for a tion to replace

Hong Kong. Singapore has also adopted effective measures to challenge

Hong Kong's economic position and its entrepot status. We should

atudy the operation of the two cities' executive authorities.

Knowing the enemy and knowing ourselves, we can fight a hundred battles

with no danger of defeat. We must not be bookish and consider that

democracy means the executive has to request instructions from the

legislature in every matter with a lot of document travels, numerous

meetings and votings. In major directions and policies, there must

be democracy to prevent arbitary decisions by individuals. But in

the administration of daily affairs, the executive must be given a

free hand to remain efficient and effective. I veryday administration

must not be controlled by the "mother-in-law" the Government will

become a "lame duck".

FOURTHLY, FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TC HONG KONG'S

SUCCESS MUST BE MAINTA IN D

In the 60s and 70s, Hong Kong's economic growth has been

tremendous. The success is closely linked to fong Kong's highly

efficient Government, low taxation, legal protection for industrial

and commercial operations, the civil service system, the employment of experts and the system of over 300 advisory bodies. Apart from legislation and personnel arrangements that smack of a colonial flavour, the good points in Hong Kong's political system should be

maintained.

/As an.

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