TNAG-2446-FCO40-3562-Political-parties-in-Hong-Kong-1992 — Page 74

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滙點

MEETING POINT

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO MEETING POINT (JUNE 1991)

Meeting Point, established in 1983, is a political organisation composed of about two hundred young and educated professionals who are committed to building a democratic, prosperous and progressive Hong Kong. Nationalism, Democracy, and People's Livelihood are the three pillars of its political platform. In the past eight years since its inception, Meeting Point has played an active role in the campaign for a more democratic and open government, has voiced opinions and submitted proposals on various policies, and has fielded candidates for elections to the District Boards and the Municipal Councils. At present, the organisation has 12 members serving on the District Boards and the Urban Council. Meeting Point will also field three candidates to run for the Legislative Council direct elections this year.

Meeting Point is the first non-leftist local group that came out in support of the Chinese government's proposal of self-administration for Hong Kong people after 1997. It welcomes Hong Kong's integration with China and believes that more contacts and communications should be beneficial to both Hong Kong and the mainland. While Meeting Point identifies with Chinese naitonalism, this does not mean unconditional support for the government in power or its policy. Meeting Point always holds a rational and critical stand toward the Chinese government. It condemns the way the Chinese government suppressed the pro-democracy movement in China in June 1989.

The formation of Meeting Point is a response to the challenge of Hong Kong's future. During the drafting of the Basic Law, Meeting Point was actively involved in the debate over the provisions of the Basic Law and how local opinions should be consulted and incorporated into the drafting process. With the promulgation of the Basic Law in 1990, Hong Kong has entered the 'transitional period'. It is the aim of Meeting Point to contribute towards the building of a post-1997 Hong Kong having a new identity as China's Special Administrative Region but with the same economic vigor within the framework of "One Country Two Systems". Looking ahead, Meeting Point will continue to work for social reforms within Hong Kong, to make it a caring society which recognises the responsibility to enable its citizens to have the full opportunity to develop their potential and to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

留港改革