TNAG-1858-FCO40-2633-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-memoranda-and-minutes-of-me-1989 — Page 34

2068 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

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5 July 1989

truly honour its obligations in the Joint Declaration in a manner very different from that of the basic rights of its own citizens. I suggest that this cautious approach to the Basic Law drafting should be adopted in view of the significant impact the legal document has on Hong Kong's future.

Prior to my notification sent to the Basic Law Consultative Committee, I had sent out a questionnaire on the OMELCO consensus to all members of the Hong Kong Society of Accountants. As chance would have it, the questionnaire reached the members over the 4 June weekend so the replies can be said to be post-4 June.

Out of 306 replies, 251 agreed with the OMELCO consensus whilst 33 wanted to advance direct elections to 1997 or earlier. Only 1 wanted direct elections later than 2003. I can therefore say that the overwhelming majority of accountants concur with the OMELCO consensus.

Law.

These findings provide me with pointers for future discussions on the Basic

However, it does not mean that I will cease work altogether on the Basic Law. I intend to be busier than ever to improve the text of the Basic Law taking into account the recent events. I am pleased to report that the business and professional group is in the process of instructing two leading constitutional lawyers of international repute and we hope to have the experts' opinions on the legal document towards the end of August. I think that the time is well overdue to get the real professionals to give their views.

I believe that we should ask Beijing for an extension of the consultation period, not only to make up for the time lost by the mainlanders not being able to get their act together as a result of the turmoil, but for us to examine in depth the implication recent events in China will have on our own rights and safety. I also believe that the promulgation of the Basic Law will now have to be delayed.

Further we have to get the right signals from Beijing about their bona fide intention and commitment.

I would urge Britain, our sovereign state, to convey our deep feelings over what has happened to the authorities in Beijing and our concern for Hong Kong's future. We want to continue the success story of Hong Kong.

Sir, with these words, I support the motion.

MR. SZETO (in Cantonese): Sir, I am the chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Pro-democracy Movement in China, and I am also one of the promoters of the Hong Kong People Saving Hong Kong Campaign. Some people consider that the patriotic pro-democracy movement and the Hong Kong People Saving Hong Kong Campaign are mutually exclusive in nature and to support both