1984 — Page 123

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the content of the Basic Law. Without the Basic Law, the agreement does appear incomplete.

With the above words, Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.

(Mr. Samuel P. W. WONG left at 5.54 p.m.)

MR. TONG KAM-BIU (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman,

Discussion on the White Paper on the 'Joint Declaration' on the Future of Hong Kong

After 2 years of heart-throbbing, marathon negotiations, China and the United Kingdom have finally initialled, amid the long anxieties and expectation of Hong Kong people, the 'Joint Declaration' on the future of Hong Kong which has become the focus of the world's attention, promulgating a new era for Hong Kong.

Although the people of Hong Kong have little choice but to accept the agreement, it is nevertheless more satisfactory than expected. Many of the provisions in the agreement are taken from the proposals raised by the Hong Kong people which are now accepted by both the Chinese and the UK governments. The agreement cannot, of course, satisfy everyone, but as there is no better alternative, we should accept the realities of the day. Though some of the provisions are not concrete or detailed enough, it is hoped that the Chinese government will include more details in the Basic Law to dispel any imperfections in the Joint Declaration.

After promulgation of the Joint Declaration, there are prompt and favourable reactions from many statesmen all over the world who view that the document greatly contributes towards international stability. The governments of China, U.K. and Hong Kong all stress that the system of 'one country, two systems' should work well and must not be allowed to fail. What is more, both the Chinese and the U.K. governments have laid much emphasis on maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong in the spirit of mutual understanding and friendly co-operation. It is hoped that the people should, apart from exerting their efforts to bring about reforms on the structures of government, not lose sight of the importance of economic strength which is really the crux of our survival.

I do share the view that maintenance of prosperity is vital to Hong Kong and a common desire of its people. Without prosperity, the provision that Hong Kong will remain unchanged for 50 years has little meaning indeed. Hong Kong, with its over 5,000,000 population, is a commercial and industrial community and comprises people of all walks and professions, different education level and economic situation, and with diverse social relations, political views and expectations. Some of the provisions in the Joint Declaration should therefore be set out in more detail, such as those regarding education, the freedoms of the press and religious belief, and social welfare etc. There is mention of the freedom of strike, but the choice of occupation, social security, and the right to join trade unions etc. are not couched in detailed terms in the Joint Declaration. Workers in Hong Kong form the majority of the population and their interests should not be over-looked. Local people do have worries about the stationing of troops in Hong Kong, so if the Central Government does send troops here, will these soldiers be subject to the laws and jurisdiction of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region if they commit any offence? Will the troops only take orders from the Central Government or will they be responsible to the chief executive of the local government? Will Hong Kong people be required to serve in the armed forces? It is hoped that the Joint Declaration will provide answers to these questions and other details. Also, there are not enough details in the provisions on the structures of government after 1997. For example, it is not clearly spelt out in the agreement how the chief executive is to be elected by election or consultation. How is he accountable to the legislature? It is provided the chief executive is to be appointed by the Central People's Government and he may appoint the judges without reference to the legislature. His authority comes from the Central Government. The legislature is to be constituted by what kind of elections? What are its terms of reference? Why are officials of the executive authorities appointed without reference to the legislature? All these questions should be explained in more detail.

The initialling of the Joint Declaration is only a beginning, announcing the advent of a new era. Hong Kong people should work together to set a milestone under the framework of the agreement. We shall in future face many problems, such as reforms on and participation in the government, presentation of views on the drafting of the Basic Law, the maintenance of internal and external economic arrangements, and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems'. These are all very important issues. The political concept of 'one country, two systems' is without precedent and whether it will work or not remains to be seen.

The Joint Declaration provides that the United Kingdom will still be responsible for administering Hong Kong in the coming 13 years and during the transition, reforms must be effected on the structures of government to enable gradual participation by the people so that a truly democratic government will be established before 1997. The political reforms during the 13 years of transitional period have a great bearing on the future 50 years and to ensure a smooth transition, the 5,000,000 people of Hong Kong should trust the Hong Kong government as well as the policies of the Chinese and U.K. government in respect of Hong Kong, actively take part in the discussions of the 1997 issues, and participate in the political reforms to be introduced. They should, irrespective of their trade and profession, continue to work hard and adapt themselves to the circumstances, be co-operative and unite together to prevent anything untoward happening. We must recognize the trend of the times and the circumstances and accomplish the historic mission that lies before us.

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