TNAG-1441-FCO40-1925-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 20

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politics despite repeated urge from the public. Opinion groups and

capitalists are irreconcilable. The capitalists, in order to protect

their own interests, are doing their best to convince the Chinese Government that open political system would certainly lead to economic collapse at any moment. Also, the plan of the Government is said to

be a conspiracy, a drastic measure to deal with the situation on the pretext of 'returning the administrative right to the people'. Scholars and experts, while emphasizing the importance of efficiency, are in favour of a powerful executive body and disapprove of factional politics which would certainly be harmful to stability. As China is already in a state of suspicion, she is now all the more in firm belief that should she not stand in the way, things may not be remedied.

On the other hand, it has been the wishful thinking of local civic bodies that, after clearing of the insult of being a colony, Hong

Kong would, with the endorsement of the motherland, become a highly autonomous democratic city. But now they find their ideal wish far divorced from reality. Martin LEE's vocalness and irreconcilable stand in support of direct election is but to realize the concept of 'one country, two systems'. However, once the banner of 'resisting communism through democracy' flaunts, it makes China all the more antagonistic. China reaffirms that direct election, party politics and democratization are all deploys to resist China. Hence, the once noble and just voice

results in a heavy blow on the cover of a coffin for the thwarted

political reform.

There is still hope if we keep on striving

Up to now, for those who are concerned about democratization

and the assurance for a highly autonomous city, would they cease their

effort and heave a sigh that 'their efforts in the past three years have gone

with the wind and turned out to be a dream'? It is not necessarily so.

There are two views. One is that this is not the last chapter, there is

still hope if we keep on striving. Another is that even there is no way ahead, if we can give full play to the powers already obtained by the Legislative Council, it may be powerful enough.