TNAG-1734-FCO40-2447-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 123

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The confidence of the would-be renouncers must be gained. First and foremost are the confidentiality of the scheme, its absolute independence of the police, and strict adherence of the staff members to the secrecy provisions involved in handling renunciation applications and the proceedings. Though sections 26 K and provide for the necessary legislative assurances, their meaning and intention must be put in plain language readily comprehensible by people with low level of educational attainment in the publicity materials. The secretariat, which will be established to handle renunciation applications, must be within easy access, and more importantly, privacy must be provided to applicants and renunciation applications must be processed in confidence so that they would feel that their personal safety and the security of their employment and career are properly protected.

The decision that the scheme is open to all members of the community, including government staff, will add credibility and effectiveness to the scheme, because fair and equal treatment is seen to be given to the renouncers regardless of

their social status.

The review of the Friad Kenunciation Scheme after six months, intended to rectify administrative and procedural oversights, mistakes and omissions, is necessary in order to ensure its smooth and efficient operation. This commitment must be followed up in six months' time.

motion.

With these remarks, Sir, I am pleased to support the

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