TNAG-2211-FCO40-3171-Appointments-to-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 19

KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT

LegCo Appointments

The UDHK's attempted "interference" with H.E. the Governor's LegCo/ExCo appointments has, generally speaking, eli- cited a lot of adverse comments from our respondents. One com- monly expressed view is that the authority on appointments should rest with the Governor, and that a balanced legislature in par- ticular is conducive to the maintenance of the territory's pros- perity and stability. A significant number of our respondents also criticize the UDHK's recent actions as rash and immature behaviour which runs counter to the whole concept of 'gradualism' for Hong Kong's political development. Dissatisfaction has even been detected among many respondents who had voted (a fortnight ago) for candidates affiliated to the UDHK, but who now assert that they are only supporting individual candidates and certainly a political party which, to their surprise, is apparently attempting to dominate LegCo and influence ExCo. The bulk of our respondents are genuinely worried that further radical moves by the UDHK to accelerate the speed of democratization may prove to be counter-productive if relations with China have been soured and harmony among LegCo colleagues impaired as a result. However, several better-educated respondents contend that as a major politi- cal force in Hong Kong, the UDHK has a right to make suggestions on constitutional matters to the Governor. This group also note that unfavourable public reactions to the UDHK's latest moves may have a positive side in that they will hopefully prompt this fledging party to be less impetuous and more moderate with its approach in future.

not

2.

As regards the LegCo appointments, the majority of the new appointees are strangers to our respondents. Nevertheless, there is general acceptance of the

the appointment of professionals and academics. Many also welcome the seemingly apolitical stance of the new appointees, and expect them to perform rather indepen- dently from the shadow of the administration on the grounds that there will no longer be any appointed seats in LegCo after 1995, and hence no question of their

their seeking reappointment through currying official favour.

3.

Almost all of our respondents support the retention of the post of Senior Member of LegCo. Pointing out the increase in the number of LegCo seats and the variety of interests represented by its members, many respondents believe that the coordinating role of the Senior Member will be even more important than before. Another popular belief is that the Senior Member's role should not

be played by the LegCo Vice-President (VP), lest this will give 1?

too much power to the VP and affect his neutrality when presiding over the Council. Many also advocate for the Senior Member to be elected, arguing that the holder of the post will therefore com- mand greater respect and recognition by members of the LegCo.