TNAG-1716-FCO40-2396-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1988 — Page 63

G.F. 316

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territory; its small area with a large, rapidly growing

and increasingly educated population; its fast pace of

economic and social development; and its position as а

major business and financial

financial centre. These factors

have required the Government to develop the system of

administration to meet the growing needs and

expectations of society, while maintaining

while maintaining political

stability,

and effective

administration.

economic

prosperity

3.

This requirement continues to shape the

Government's thinking on the system of government. The

system has to evolve as Hong Kong society develops, so

as to ensure that the Government continues to have the

support of the community. At the same time, the need

to maintain stability and prosperity under an effective

administration remains as strong as

4.

These

of developing

improve the

considerations point towards the value

a more representative system, SO as to

responsiveness

of the Government to

society's needs. It should also be recognized that

Hong Kong's stability and prosperity owe much to the

pursuit of consistent policies

and prudent

development. This points to the

the need to evolve

gradually from the unique system that has served Hong

Kong well until

now, and not to force the pace of

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