consistent pattern within the existing functional constituencies.
If in their negotiations over the Basic Law Britain and China came to any agreement over the nature of the functional constituencies which has up until now remained secret, we call upon them to reveal it. The people of Hong Kong have a right to know. However, until and unless evidence of such agreement is revealed it must be presumed that it is open to Hong Kong to interpret the term "functional constituency" in the best manner that it can.
In the absence of any guidance on the functional constituencies for the 1995 election, the Governor's proposals appear consistent with the Basic Law.
An appeal
The Foundation calls upon the people of Hong Kong and their legislators to support the democratisation of the Election Committee and the functional constituencies. While remaining strictly within the confines of the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, the Governor's proposals would allow the people of Hong Kong the greater participation in the selection of their legislators and the determination of their future. Nor do these proposals breach any agreement between the sovereign powers: the people of Hong Kong may support them without any reservation.
The Foundation believes that in the debate over the electoral reform what matters is wishes of the people of Hong Kong. Hong Kong people were disappointed over the slow pace of democratisation allowed for by the Basic Law. However, there are many areas not covered by the Basic Law, and it is now time to fill those gaps. The Foundation believes that the reforms of the functional constituencies and Election Committee discussed above would give Hong Kong people more representative government within the framework of the Basic Law, and so deserve the people's support.
If any group in Hong Kong has alternative proposals which improve the representativeness of the Hong Kong Government without contravening the Joint Declaration or Basic Law, we urge them to put them forward without delay for the consideration of the Hong Kong people.
Patrian Bon
Dr Patrick Shiu
Chairman
Hong Kong Democratic Foundation
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