TNAG-1726-FCO40-2439-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 69

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Further development of the

have been changed or abandoned. representative government system is reduced to a window- dressing exercise. Many people perceive that there was lo great influence from outside Hong Kong on the political review of 1987 and perhaps the contents of the present White Paper. Doubts have been cast on the sincerity of the signatory Governments, particularly that of China towards the

implementation of the Joint Declaration. Confidence has

therefore been undermined to an extreme and for this reason -I regret that direct elections are not introduced in 1988 which might restore some degree of confidence.

Sir, I would give support to the amendment.

MR. NGAI (in Cantonese): I object to the amendment

for two simple reasons. proposed by Mr. Martin Lee~ The reason is simple; I will simplify

л this into two. First, just now in his speech Mr. Martin Lee ha

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said that the majority of our citizens agree that we should have direct elections in 1988. I don't think this is true at all. I believe that we do not have enough evidence to

strue.

prove what Mr. Martin Lee said I think this is only his personal belief.

came wi they At least among those that I contact they hold completely different views. Some people would insist that their personal beliefs are the beliefs of the majority of people, and I object to the 24 views held by such people.

Secondly, if we introduce direct elections in 1988 hastily, this is really a political gamble. This will be putting the collective interests of. 27 everyone in Hong Kong at stake, So I strongly object to the

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amendment proposed by Mr. Lee.

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PROF, POON:

Sir, during the motion

31 debate on the Green Paper held in July last year, I supported

direct election to the legislature but emphasised my belief that any kind of political' changes should be proceeded with Cution cautiously and in steps. I suggest introducing direct

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elections in 1991 or 1992 so that our embryonic democratic institution could have some time to develop is political and