MARACR (5)
C. CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SHOULD HMG INTRODUCE FULL DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG BEFORE 1997?
Can understand instinctive feeling of any Parliamentarian that in difficult circumstances like this, right thing to do is to give
people democracy.
Of course we will be taking a careful look at the pace and nature of democratisation in Hong Kong. But it is important that when we do take decisions on such an important matter they are the right decisions and in accordance with Hong Kong people's wishes. Do not want to rush in and take snap decisions until opinion in Hong Kong has crystalised. As the Governor explained in his evidence to the Committee on Monday, this is not yet the case.
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Clearly there has been a shift in opinion in Hong Kong in response to recent events in China. Even before events of 3/4 June, OMELCO called for faster pace on democratisation 50% directly elected seats by 1997, rising to 100% by 2003. Need to see whether that remains their view when opinion has settled down.
What we have been trying to achieve in this case is continuity up to and beyond 1997. It is particularly important that the democratic system we establish before 1997 should continue after the transfer of sovereignty. It would not be doing a service to the people of Hong Kong to set up a system we do not think will last.
That is why it is so important that the provisions in the Basic Law are right. We have worked for a Basic Law which carries forward the changes we plan to make before 1997. Sure that Hong Kong people fully understand this.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.