TNAG-1602-FCO40-2198-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1987 — Page 153

3.1.4 The rights and interests of the indigenous New Territo ies inhabitants are already included in Sections 13 and 14 of Chapter 3 of the Structure of the Basic Law (Draft). Thus, it is not necessary to have a special section on this topic and make it prominent.

3.2

of

Some favour the stipulation of the rights and interests the indigenous New Territories inhabitants in the Basic Law for the following reasons :

3.2.1 Since Section 15 of Chapter 3 of the Structure of

the

Basic Law (Draft) mentions that "the legitimate rights and interests of indigenous inhabitants of the New Territories shall be protected" and similar provision is also found in Annex 3 of the Joint Declaration, if such rights and interests are to be abolished, sensitive response would be

expected.

3.2.2 If the rights that have long been enjoyed are abolished.

the beneficiaries will definitely raise their objection. As long as such rights are subject to amendment as society changes, they can be preserved.

3.2.3 The rights and interests of the indigenous New

New Territories:

Territories

inhabitants were passed down according to the conventions and customs of the Qing Dynasty. After 1898, the Hong Kong Government was cautious in its policies when it leased the all kinds of rights and interests originally enjoyed by the indigenous New Territories inhabitants were granted and the traditional customs, preserved. Besides, the government adopted many reasonable demanded by the indigenous New Territories

were conducive to stability

measures

inhabitants, which

prosperity of Hong Kong. indigenous New Territories

historical origins; they are

and

The rights and interests of the

inhabitants

their

neither legacy of feudalism

have

nor privileges.

3.2.4

are

When the sovereignty of Hong Kong reverts to China, the Chinese living in Hong Kong. indigenous inhabitants who went abroad to make а living and their family members all considered Chinese. For specific historical reasons, personal rights and the lawful right of Buccession to ancestral heritage should be protected through legislation. The fundamental rights and interests of the indigenous New Territories inhabitants should be differentiated from those

of the urban inhabitants.

,,,

3.2.5 The Basic Law of the HKSAR will be the main legislation of the HKSAR. People in Hong Kong will try every means to have their rights and interests expre

stipulated in the

Basic Law.

For the same reason, the f damental rights of the indigenous New Territories inhabits and every kind of reasonable rights and interests to be acquired in future should also be stipulated in the Basic Law.

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