TNAG-1727-FCO40-2440-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 231

Translation

la

DRAFT SPEECH BY HON YEUNG PO KWAN, OBE, CPM, P LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 16.3.88

Motion Debate on White Paper:

The Development of Representative Government:

The Way Forward

MR. YEUNG (in Cantonese):

Sir,

It puts

The White Paper: The Development of Representative Government: The Way Forward published by the Government is an

important document in shaping the way of development of

representative government during the transitional period. forth four objectives, namely: the system of representative

government should continue to evolve; its development should be

prudent and gradual; any reforms should have wide support and the changes in the government system should permit a smooth transition

in 1997. Undeniably, the unique political background and the

specific social pattern in Hong Kong have determined that democratic

form of government should be introduced gradually and that the mode of conducting business in our local system of representative government should take measured steps and aim at striking a suitable

balance. The intention and concept behind these objectives are in

line with the objective necessity and actual circumstances of Hong

Kong today. The White Paper also stresses the need of 'not to force

the pace of reform to an extent that might introduce instability and

uncertainty into the administration of the territory'. During the

transitional period, the responsibility of administering Hong Kong

lies with Britain. Drastic changes will affect the operation of the

Government tremendously and exert pressure on senior officials of

the civil service, thus undermining their morale. To maintain

stability and prosperity before 1997, it is of paramount importance

that the Hong Kong Government should govern Hong Kong effectively as stipulated in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Hasty and drastic changes introduced without thorough consideration will definitely

affect political stability and economic developments. As such, the objectives of the White Paper taken as the basis and guidelines for the development of representative government should be welcomed and