Page 93 of 142
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
We must do away with flunkyism.
Of late, there exists some flunkey views which do disturb some of us. They expound that people in Hong Kong only know how to make money but not self-rule. Such views are not unexpected as Hong Kong is under colonial administration for over a hundred years. Under the colonial education system, the majority of the residents do not realize their rights and responsibilities as citizens and the confidence and self-respect of some are thus being affected. If we remain calm and analyse the situation a little, we'll surely see the falsehood of these views.
The foundation of prosperity in Hong Kong is sound and secure.
In less than 40 years after the war, Hong Kong has turned from a small entrepot with little natural resources into one of the world's famous industrial and commercial cities. It is also the third largest financial centre in the world. Factors leading to our success are diligence and a quick mind of our people and a free economic system. Even someday when the political situation changes and some people will leave Hong Kong with their capitals, several millions of people will remain and the human factor will not change. The same economic system too will still prevail. This will be the foundation of our continued or even greater prosperity.
We are in a good position to govern ourselves. What we require is only training.
The general education standard in Hong Kong is high among the countries of South-East Asia and we are, in general, more concerned about international and local affairs which do enrich our knowledge in many respects. In the industrial field, we are equipped with sophisticated technological knowledge and experiences and there are regularly new graduates and professionals returning from the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia to add to our talents. What we need in future is more participation in public affairs and to train more senior administrative executives. Who dare say that we are not able to run our own affairs.
Those who love and are loyal to Hong Kong, be brave and ready to meet the challenges.
Nobody in Hong Kong has launched any campaign for independence as we all know that we are not in a position to do so. Neither can we rely for ever on the colonial administration because the tide has turned and colonialism will sooner or later be buried. We must have high respect for ourselves, be confident to accept any changes, and make full use of the opportunity of 'Hong Kong governed by Hong Kong people' so as to control our own destiny.
There is also no one rising in revolution, nor attempting to subvert the government. However, we should be prepared psychologically that we shall run the territory ourselves one day. Our future mission will be to prove that a region with a free economic system and different nationalities can exist successfully in a socialist country.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 93 of 142
I hope that the future success of Hong Kong can provide an example to the Mainland or even help it to speed up their modernization process.
Students studying in the U.K. have already established an organization in preparation for the coming of the new era in 1997. It is learnt that our students in the U.S. and Canada are also planning to set up similar organizations. I am really proud of these far-sighted and courageous young people of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong will definitely have a bright future.
Mr. Chairman, I rise to move the motion.
MR. PETER C. K. CHAN (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, I have just lately received a letter from a driving instructor, which, after some editing, I would like to read out here to Members as follows:
'Recently there are reports in the mass media that driving instructors may be re-tested for their competence. I trust you too have heard of it. I would not think it strange if it is a whim from the former President Amin of Uganda. Regrettably it happens in Hong Kong where, it is claimed, the "rule of law" prevails. It is indeed puzzling. The driving instructors here all have at least over ten years' experience and have taught a great many drivers. Over ten years isn't a short period and if it is discovered only now that "the instructors are no good", a great many deaths must have occurred already. What do you, Sir, think of the idea? And what would be the reaction should such a thing happen in England? If the existing instructors are considered no good, then a thousand or perhaps ten thousand new super-instructors should be immediately trained for the job, and those of poor quality eliminated naturally. I hope you will say a few words on this to uphold justice. . .'
I think the driving instructor's complaint is well justified. As they are already in the trade for years, it would give rise to problems to ask them to go through a re-test now. What should a young Driving Examiner do when he finds the candidate to be tested is his own driving instructor years ago?
When I was first elected an Urban Councillor about 14 years ago, it was suggested and also supported by people then in charge that the new Members, including myself, should attend a training course. The proposal was only dropped after our strong objection which was effectively supported by the senior Councillors.
Since I was then already elected a Member of the Council, I had no choice but to object to the training course, or else how could I face the electorate if at the end of the course I was unanimously considered 'untrainable' by those in charge. I think a new policy only works when it is willingly accepted by those affected. A person engaged in a trade for some years must be quite well acquainted with it. A test is not necessarily an absolutely fair appraisal. I doubt if I could pass the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination or the professional examination that I have passed over ten years ago if I were to sit for it again.
143
Page 93 of 142
142
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
We must do away with flunkyism.
Of late, there exists some flunkey views which do disturb some of us. They expound that people in Hong Kong only know how to make money but not self-rule. Such views are not unexpected as Hong Kong is under colonial administration for over a hundred years. Under the colonial education system, the majority of the residents do not realize their rights and responsibilities citizens and the confidence and self-respect of some are thus being affected. If we remain calm and analyse the situation a little, we'll surely see the falsehood of
these views.
The foundation of prosperity in Hong Kong is sound and secure.
as
In less than 40 years after the war, Hong Kong has turned from a small entrepot with little natural resources into one of the world's famous industrial and commercial cities. It is also the third largest financial centre in the world. Factors leading to our success are diligence and a quick mind of our people and a free economic system. Even someday when the political situation changes and some people will leave Hong Kong with their capitals, several millions of people will remain and the human factor will not change. The same economic system too will still prevail. This will be the foundation of our continued or even greater prosperity.
We are in a good position to govern ourselves. What we require is only training.
The general education standard in Hong Kong is high among the countries of South-East Asia and we are, in general, more concerned about international and local affairs which do enrich our knowledge in many respects. In the industrial field, we are equipped with sophisticated technological knowledge and experiences and there are regularly new graduates and professionals returning from the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia to add to our talents. What we need in future is more participation in public affairs and to train more senior administrative executives. Who dare say that we are not able to run our own affairs.
Those who love and are loyal to Hong Kong, be brave and ready to meet the challenges.
Nobody in Hong Kong has launched any campaign for independence as we all know that we are not in a position to do so. Neither can we rely for ever on the colonial administration because the tide has turned and colonialism will sooner or later be buried. We must have high respect for ourselves, be confident to accept any changes, and make full use of the opportunity of 'Hong Kong governed by Hong Kong people' so as to control our own destiny.
There is also no one rising in revolution, nor attempting to subvert the government. However, we should be prepared psychologically that we shall run the territory ourselves one day. Our future mission will be to prove that a region with a free economic system and different nationalities can exist successfully in a socialist country.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 93 of 142
143
I hope that the future success of Hong Kong can provide an example to the Mainland or even help it to speed up their modernization process.
Students studying in the U.K. have already established an organization in preparation for the coming of the new era in 1997. It is learnt that our students in the U.S. and Canada are also planning to set up similar organizations. I am really proud of these far-sighted and courageous young people of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong will definitely have a bright future.
Mr. Chairman, I rise to move the motion.
MR. PETER C. K. CHAN (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, I have just lately received a letter from a driving instructor, which, after some editing, I would like to read out here to Members as follows:
'Recently there are reports in the mass media that driving instructors may be re-tested for their competence. I trust you too have heard of it. I would not think it strange if it is a whim from the former President Amin of Uganda. Regrettably it happens in Hong Kong where, it is claimed, the "rule of law" prevails. It is indeed puzzling. The driving instructors here all have at least over ten years' experience and have taught a great many drivers. Over ten years isn't a short period and if it is discovered only now that "the instructors are no good", a great many deaths must have occurred already. What do you, Sir, think of the idea? And what would be the reaction should such a thing happen in England? If the existing intructors are considered no good, then a thousand or perhaps ten thousand new super-instructors should be immediately trained for the job, and those of poor quality eliminated naturally. I hope you will say a few words on this to uphold justice. . .'
I think the driving instructor's complaint is well justified. As they are already in the trade for years, it would give rise to problems to ask them to go through a re-test now. What should a young Driving Examiner do when he finds the candidate to be tested is his own driving instructor years ago?
When I was first elected an Urban Councillor about 14 years ago, it was suggested and also supported by people then in charge that the new Members, including myself, should attend a training course. The proposal was only dropped after our strong objection which was effectively supported by the senior Councillors.
Since I was then already elected a Member of the Council, I had no choice but to object to the training course, or else how could I face the electorate if at the end of the course I was unanimously considered 'untrainable' by those in charge. I think a new policy only works when it is willingly accepted by those affected. A person engaged in a trade for some years must be quite well acquainted with it. A test is not necessarily an absolutely fair appraisal. I doubt if I could pass the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination or the professional examination that I have passed over ten years ago if I were to sit for
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