TNAG-1726-FCO40-2439-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 114

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from the unique system that has been serving Hong Kong so well.

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The pace of reform should not be forced at the expense of

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Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. I am delighted to

see that direct elections to the legislature will be

introduced in 1991. I am glad that several opinion polls conducted soon after the publication of the White Paper showed a clear majority support this move. To those people who

are not totally satisfied with the White Paper, I would submit

to you, sir, the fact that no political move can satisfy everybody and that we should all pursue democracy by accepting the pinciple of majority rule. Noise does not necessarily represent the voice of the silent majority..

the introdunt

I welcome direct elections in 1991 on the basis of filled from 10 singt geographical constituencies with the

directly

elected seats replacing the seats currently filled by the electoral college. These decisions coincide closely with the

views I expressed during the Green Paper debate held in July

last year.

The replacement of the seats currently filled by

the electoral college is a sound idea as there really is no need

to have both directly elected and indirectly elected

Legislative Councillors coming from the same district or geographical constituency.

However, after we have a

the

chance to review and reflect the outcome of the basic law, would like to see a number of directly elected seats gradually

increase as we move towards 1997.

I am glad that the number of Legislative Council members elected by functional constituencies will be increased from 12 to 14 and accountant will become a functional constituency. These decisions, together with the creation of 30 seats in the Urban Council for representatives elected by

District Boards, meet adequately the points I raised in the July debate. While on functional constituencies I wish to

add that

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Heung Yee kuk as a body has played a fairly significant

and perhaps unique role in Hong Kong. Their continuous involvement in shaping the future of Hong Kong is desirable.

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the Ruk

I have my reservations on whether it is proper to provide aĞ 000줄