B CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WITH BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT, HAS PACE OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BEEN TOO SLOW?
Have always aimed to develop representative government at a pace that would suit Hong Kong's circumstances and reflect wishes of
community as
a whole. Has actually developed quickly, the since it started in the early 80s.
Difficulty has always been that no clear consensus has existed.
1987 Review showed that while there was wide support for principle of direct elections people were divided over the timing of
this.
Too early to say whether a new consensus exists about these matters. But will as always listen very carefully to views of Hong
Kong people.
WILL HMG SUPPORT OMELCO CALL FOR 50 PER CENT DIRECT ELECTIONS IN
1997, FULLY DIRECTED LEGISLATURE BY 2007/DIRECTLY ELECTED CHIEF
EXECUTIVE BY 2003?
Fact that unofficial members of Executive and Legislative
Councils have reached unanimous agreement on future composition of
legislature is a significant development.
OMELCO's proposals constitute a faster rate of development than
that currently envisaged in draft Basic Law. Must now see how Hong
Kong community react to these proposals.
ARE VIEWS IN HONG KONG CHANGING? SURELY PEOPLE THERE WANT A FASTER
PACE OF CHANGE NOW?
Not prepared to draw any hard and fast conclusions now. Should allow time for dust to settle. We shall of course be giving
very careful thought to this.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.