Page 122 of 142
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
anxiety, originated from the 1997 issue, might indeed corrode our economy imperceptibly. With things going this way, Hong Kong could well collapse before 1997 or before a solution is worked out. Why should we worry about troubles of our own imagination and ruin our future by unfounded, sheer guesswork and anxiety? We should remain calm while waiting for a concrete solution to come up, and must have faith in the authoritative promise to 'maintain the status quo and economic prosperity of Hong Kong'. Even if we have only 15 years to go, we should make the best of it to develop our city and to enjoy due or bigger-than-expected dividends, not to mention that we have still the future and prospects beyond 15 years to look forward to.
I fully agree with my senior colleagues' unanimous confidence in Hong Kong's future. Their opinions are, in principle, entirely right and commendable.
On Hong Kong's future, my humble views are as follows:
The status quo should be maintained for a transitional period of about 25 to 30 years after 1997 to allow the residents to adapt themselves to any changes and new environments.
The 1997 issue seems to lie outside the purview of the Urban Council. However, the Council should, within its terms of reference, play its part to preserve the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. In this respect, my views and proposals are:-
(1) Relations between the District Boards and the Urban Council should be strengthened to facilitate close co-operation. Advice on the provision of facilities in each district should first be sought from the District Board and decision made only after detailed discussion. Unfounded rumours that 'the Urban Council works under the direction of the District Boards' should be ignored and the policies that we have laid down be carried out.
(2) All districts should carry equal weight in the Council's policies, providing facilities and services on the same footing without any discrimination.
(3) The needs of people of all walks of life should be taken into consideration in formulating our policies and the provision of services. Special attention should not be given to any particular class or group of people. Recreational facilities for both the old and young should receive equal attention.
The Chairman will perhaps look at the clock and say that it's about time. With these words, Sir, I support the motion.
ADJOURNMENT—5.02 p.m.
CHAIRMAN (in English):-Ladies and Gentlemen, as agreed in the Standing Committee, the Chairman's right of reply will take place at the next regular meeting of Council on Tuesday, 8 February 1983 at 4.00 p.m. Council therefore stands adjourned until that day.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY D. S. P. PEARCE, ACTING GOVERNMENT PRINTER AT THE GOVERNMENT PRESS, JAVA ROAD, HONG KONG
Page 122 of 142
Page 122 of 142
[
200
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
anxiety, originated from the 1997 issue, might indeed corrode our economy imperceptibly. With things going this way, Hong Kong could well collapse before 1997 or before a solution is worked out. Why should we worry about troubles of our own imagination and ruin our future by unfounded, sheer guesswork and anxiety? We should remain calm while waiting for a concrete solution to come up, and must have faith in the authoritative promise to 'maintain the status quo and economic prosperity of Hong Kong'. Even if we have only 15 years to go, we should make the best of it to develop our city and to enjoy due or bigger-than-expected dividends, not to mention that we have still the future and prospects beyond 15 years to look forward to.
I fully agree with my senior colleagues' unanimous confidence in Hong Kong's future. Their opinions are, in principle, entirely right and commendable.
On Hong Kong's future, my humble views are as follows:
The status quo should be maintained for a transitional period of about 25 to 30 years after 1997 to allow the residents to adapt themselves to any changes and new environments.
The 1997 issue seems to lie outside the purview of the Urban Council. However, the Council should, within its terms of reference, play its part to preserve the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. In this respect, my views and proposals are:-
(1) Relations between the District Boards and the Urban Council should be strengthened to facilitate close co-operation. Advice on the provision of facilities in each district should first be sought from the District Board and decision made only after detailed discussion. Unfounded rumours that 'the Urban Council works under the direction of the District Boards' should be ignored and the policies that we have laid down be carried out.
(2) All districts should carry equal weight in the Council's policies, providing facilities and services on the same footing without any discrimination. (3) The needs of people of all walks of life should be taken into consideration in formulating our policies and the provision of services. Special attention should not be given to any particular class or group of people. Recreational facilities for both the old and young should receive equal attention.
The Chairman will perhaps look at the clock and say that it's about time. With these words, Sir, I support the motion.
ADJOURNMENT—5.02 p.m.
CHAIRMAN (in English):-Ladies and Gentlemen, as agreed in the Standing Committee, the Chairman's right of reply will take place at the next regular meeting of Council on Tuesday, 8 February 1983 at 4.00 p.m. Council therefore stands adjourned until that day.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY D. S. P. PEARCE, ACTING GOVERNMENT I'RINTER AT THE GOVERNMENT PRESS, JAVA ROAD, HONG KONG
Page 122 of 142
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