TNAG-2211-FCO40-3171-Appointments-to-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 27

TAI PO DISTRICT

Appointments into LegCo

5.

This too has attracted much interest. Respondents on the whole reacted favourably to the 17 appointments. They beleived that three of the 7 re-appointed members who had served long on LegCo could provide the continuity at a time when LegCo was undergoing drastic changes. They also noted that most of the 10 new appointees had adopted a very low profile in the past. They were, nonetheless, well-educated professionals from wide spectrum of backgrounds with no discernible political affiliations or pro-establishment inclination. Many of them were also experienced in community service. Respondents believed that this "last batch" of appointees would not unnecessarily pro-Government since their re-appointments were out of the question. They were therefore confident that, with their professional knowledge and independent mind, the new members would be able to offer considered and balanced views on matters dealt with by LegCo and improve the quality of the deliberations in the Council. This would be indispensable to the effective

effective functioning of LegCo in the tackling of important issues affecting the livelihood of the people of Hong Kong.

6.

Many respondents continued to criticise UDHK'S attempts to influence the Governor's decision on ExCo and LegCo appointments, saying that no political group should be allowed to interfere with matters which were the Governor's prerogatives. Some also feared that UDHK'S radical moves would jeopardise confidence, expecially among investors, in Hong Kong's future. In this regard, they hailed the Governor's firm position on this matter and commented that the 17 appointees could, together with their elected colleagues, help serve Hong Kong better than an otherwise liberal-dominated LegCo. Nevertheless, a number of our younger respondents continued to back the move by UDHK. They maintained the view that the LegCo appointments should reflect the preference of the voters, who had given UDHK a mandate.

7.

Some respondents commented that known pro-China figures were conspicuously absent from the appointment list. Some regarded this the right direction for LegCo which was essentially a body to handle Hong Kong's own affairs. The presence of pro-Chinese figures could invite ready confrontation from the liberals and unnecessarily politicise the Council. Others however expressed their disappointment. They said that the inclusion of a reasonable number of pro-China members in LegCo could help Beijing understand how LegCo worked and foster the links between the two. This was particularly important now that а large number of UDHK members had been elected. These respondents felt that the early development of rapport between Beijing and LegCo was an essential ingredient in harmonious Sino-Hong Kong relationship.