TNAG-1722-FCO40-2415-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1988 — Page 98

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4.2

(1)

Questions to be resolved:

What is the relationship between the formulation of policies and the enactment of laws? Is it possible to have policy statements

guidelines in laws (particularly laws

or

are basic in nature)?

which

(11) In what way can policy provisions be incorporated

Basic

the future HKSAR Government in Law without putting straitjacket?

can

(11) How

we enshrine the spirit of these two principles the articles without creating contradictions?

in

6.

The relationship between the Constitution and the Basic Law

6.1

Focus of discussion:

in the

A

(1)

the

(111) 8

it feasible

to put

the policy provisions in

A

separate

annex?

(iv) Is it feasible not to include any policy provisions in

Basic Law. and if

what will be the consequence?

BO,

the

which is based on drafting of the Basic Law. Since Article

been 31 of the Chinese Constitution, people have

relation asking questions about how the Basic Law stands in

As explained by the parties concerned, to the Constitution. Article 31 18

Constitution. "proviso" in the relationship between

Basic Constitution and the the

should

infer be viewed

One cannot a whole. as mere comparison of individual articles that there is a clash between the Basic Law and the Constitution.

A

(11) After the publication of the Draft Basic Law,

still Basic

The

Law

from A

5.

Culture and Education

5.1

Focus of discussion:

many people

be

There has never been

issues.

this should

AS

too much contention over cultural

educational

Even before the Draft Basic Law published, the people concerned had reached more or less agreement

the contentious issues were on how some of resolved. Public consensus on the principles drafted

follows: On chapter 18 AS

for

and

shall

was

the expressed worry as to whether or not articles in Law would be rendered invalid when they are found to

If parts of the Constitution. in contravention of

Hong Kong, be applicable to Constitution parties concerned prepared to spell them out?

are

the

the

an

to be

6.2

Questions to be resolved:

in

educational,

introduction

religious

ck

changes.

hand,

its possible Aa

and other systema and prevent mainland social systems by not making On the other hand, the HKSAR Government should be allowed a high degree of autonomy to develop and improve

Atemmed the existing systems. The present contention has

when from the superficial contradictions that have emerged

For example, this consensus 18 expressed in the articles.

the HKSAR shall "maintain while Article 142 stipulates that

Kong", the educational system previously practised in Hong

"on

its Article 143

that provides

the HKSAR shall

Does it mean that if the formulate policies on education".

the maintained.

HKSAR systems previously practised are

Or does 1 t Government may not make any changes to them?

relevant mean that the HKSAR Government may formulate the

existing ite policies on

own as well as make changes to the

Bystems?

the one maintain

Hong Kong

(1)

cultural.

How does Article 31 stand in relation to the other of the Chinese Constitution?

articles

the

any

(11) What

of Article 18

function

31 the Constitution in relation to the Basic Law?

of

the

Chinese

on

own

(111) What is the significance of the Chinese Constitution to the

HKSAR A8 a whole?

(iv) Which articles of the Chinese Constitution shall be applied

in Hong Kong and how shall they be given expression Bong Kong?

to in

7.

7.1

(1)

5.2

Questions to be resolved:

(1)

or

developing these BystemB

Ie there bound to be contradiction between the principles of maintaining the existing systems and improving

in

of the light

two basic

A

social

The Formation of the First Government

Focus of discussion:

Public

on the formation of the consensus 18: On the one hand, it is necessary to give expression to China's sovereignty: on the other hand, efforts must be made The problem to bring about amooth and stable transition.

18 that Hong Kong will still be under British administration

for How will the preparations in

the run-up to 1997.

first

government

the

development?

10

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