TNAG-2449-FCO40-3565-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1992 — Page 54

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CONFIDENTIAL

Reference.

p. Leg B

Mr Bunten

Mr Ricketts

Ricketys

MB1/X1 (Eee munte at end). Miss Samudion 1/12

MAB ONE//

ML Marsheli

Thanks

THE TEMPTATION OF ABSTENTION FOR LEGCO MEMBERS

The outcome of the votes in Legco on the Governor's proposals next year will depend to a large extent upon the "floating voters", those who occupy the middle ground between the confirmed liberals and the confirmed pro-China conservatives. This category includes appointed Legco members and members who represent functional constituencies. In the recent Legco vote the "Independents" group split 11-4 in favour of Christine Loh's motion.

2. We have seen at least three separate indications recently that Legco members from these groups, who have been supportive of the Governor, are beginning to refer to the views of their "constituencies" as a factor which will influence their future vote.

i) David Li abstained on Christine Loh's motion in Legco because of what he called "differing views" within his functional constituency, the banking community.

ii) Vincent Cheng

who voted in favour of the motion

Redacted Under FOI Exemption Sec 27(1)(a)(c)(d)

ODE 18-77

iii) Hui Yin Fat

who also voted in favour of the motion

3. It seems that the abstention rate could be high if the Governor's proposals are put to a direct vote in Legco. Abstaining would be a useful way of sitting on the fence without seeming to undermine the Governor and without offending the Chinese. The following reasons would be given: the impossibility of representing divided constituency opinion; public fears about the consequences of going ahead with the proposals; the need for a referendum; the need for co-operation and convergence.

CONFIDENTIAL