TNAG-1606-FCO40-22121-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 128

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it is at least of some

comfort that the current Administration

has finally appreciated the necessity of accounting on this issue to the people of Hong Kong through the Legislative Council.

Simply put, the

including the Government,

laid down

"rule of law" means that everyone,

respects the fundamental ground rules

(through (through ordinances) or by

either by

by the legislature

The rule of law cannot

Otherwise many sins will

the courts (through the declaration of common law principles). be compromised by good intentions. committed by the Government in the of the welfare of the people it governs. It is

is a concept

which is vital to Hong Kong and our Government must, now and in

name

the

ethos.

that demonstrate

the

its

years ahead,

concept is part of

For only by respecting the rule of law will the Government command the respect and confidence

the respect and confidence of people of Hong

Kong.

Sir, this bill is 5 years overdue

but better late

than never.

0116D