TNAG-2004-FCO40-2852-Hong-Kong-political-parties-1990 — Page 175

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After 1997 Hong Kong

That is a key element

25. We need to build on this.

will be run by Hong Kong people.

of both the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. The

task is not a small one. But again the opportunities

are great. For it we need people of stature who are

willing to commit themselves to public service.

The

Only a

The

26. Take the Legislative Council as an example.

structure of the Council is changing quickly.

short while ago, the Council consisted only of appointed

members and officials. The system served Hong Kong well

for many years. The appointed members in the

Legislative Council in the years of rapid change up to

1985 did an excellent job. But times continue to change.

So must our system. In 1991, all but three of the officials now there will give up their seats.

Council will have a significant majority of elected

members. They will have gained their seats through

their own efforts to secure election in either district

or functional constituencies. This will require many men and women prepared to stand up and be counted;

take part in elections; to win and much harder prepared to lose; to show leadership; to sacrifice time and other commitments in order to give Hong Kong the responsible and diligent law-makers that it needs and

deserves.

to

be

27. Hong Kong is now a world class metropolis. It needs its best and brightest to play a full part in government. The field is wide open. We have the talent to ensure that we build up a body of experienced and

committed political leaders guiding the future

development of Hong Kong through the Legislative Council. Now is the time for that talent to come out into the open

and play its proper role in our society.