TNAG-1441-FCO40-1925-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 18

3.

is an essential

step for

Sino-British Joint Declaration as to how to formulate a set of political

system that enjoys a high degree of autonomy, and some of them even

regard this as a permit for overall democracy. Opinions are diverged as to what

an ideal political system is, but the basic consensus is a wholly elected

legislature that checks and balances the executive appointed by the

central government. In this concept, the legislature is the highest council

and the final decision-making body. As a predecessor of such legislature,

the status of Legco becomes more significant, and addition of elected

councillors and increase of Legco power are measures ought to be taken to

enhance its prestige.

The Government, to a certain extent, can be considered as 'moving

towards the same way'. In view of the anticipated withdrawal of the

British Government, the gradual transfer of power a smooth

transition. And to reinforce the status of Legco through the passing

of the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Bill is exactly part

of the plan.

Unless the Legislative Council in future will become the

highest council and unless the future Executive Council will be

accountable to the Legislative Council, otherwise the move to reinforce

the power status of the Legislative Council with legislation is meaningless.

To what extent would the 1987 review on political system help to realize

this goal?

The green paper on the 1987 review on political system is

underway and will not be made known until next May. However, according to

the information gathered from all quarters, its contents are by no means

secret. The indisputable facts comprise of the following:

า

The review would not touch on any reforms that should be

introduced regarding the relationship between the Executive

Council and the Legislative Council;

The review would not touch on any reform that should be

introduced regarding the structure of the Legislative Council,

nor would it touch on the ministerial system;

- On the Governor, the possible changes mentioned would only be

some marginal changes relating to his jurisdiction, the apparent ones are his power to appoint Legislative Councillors and