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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Those who have a heart for entering politics should take care not to go after their ideals doggedly or believe blindly in systems. We have to examine to see what conditions and circumstances are required. We must have a correct understanding of these before advocating or adopting a certain system or ideal.

As we all know, the reforms proposed in the Green Paper aim to introduce representative government leading progressively to democracy. Unfortunately, the Green Paper is very sketchy and fraught with loopholes. Are the proposals worth supporting? Should we introduce direct or indirect elections? Much has been said about these controversial issues by many who are interested in politics. The purpose of today's debate is to convey our views to the government.

The reforms proposed in the Green Paper are all about political systems. Not a single word has been said of the structure of government. I think the Hong Kong Government must consult the Chinese authorities to reach an agreement before proposing any reforms in this respect. We have reasons to believe that the 'Sino-British agreement' may cover or involve this area. Thus I shall speak on the former while reserving my comments on the latter.

'Representation' is part of democracy. A 'representative system' is in essence an indirect democratic system, because its purpose is for 'representatives' of the people to take charge of legislative and executive affairs. Selection of 'representatives' may be effected by direct or indirect elections, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages, but both are part of a democratic system. The point is that we should adopt an appropriate approach at an appropriate time. Direct elections on universal franchise are a lofty, democratic ideal. But we should not indulge in ideals and pay no heed to the needs of our society. Why do we not try to have an objective understanding of the realities and solve our problems accordingly?

Those of us living and wishing to continue living in Hong Kong should adhere to the following three principles vis-a-vis democracy-

1. respect but not compromise with traditions;

2. envisage but not submit to the realities;

3. believe in but not be constrained by history.

As Mr. Edmund BURKE, my namesake, once said, “The new ideal used to cure society of its ills is perhaps an illness itself.' Thus we must remember the three principles mentioned above in order to have a balanced development towards democracy. We should not be hampered by traditions or history, but made use of them to make our strides. In short, no one will deny that 'democracy' is a lofty political ideal, and I think at the present stage, we should not blindly go after too lofty ideals, but should adopt 'pragmatism'. We might as well try to assess the values of 'direct' and 'indirect' elections from a practical point of view.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

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We have now three options: firstly, to choose between direct and indirect elections; secondly, to have both direct and indirect elections; and thirdly, other alternatives. I personally believe that direct and indirect elections may coexist until there is need for alterations. The reasons are as follows:

1. It reduces changes to a minimum. People are accustomed to and happy with the original system. 'The less changes, the more confidence.'

2. It satisfies to some extent the demands for democracy. Both direct and indirect elections are part of a democratic system and they differ only in form but do not affect the essence of democracy. In fact, what people demand of a democratic system is that they be able to air their views, have their wishes respected, and exercise their powers within the realm of reason and law.

3. It allows more time for the people to make their choice. If both the black and white cats can catch mice, why not let them do the job together so that more mice will be caught? There is nothing bad about the coexistence of the two cats, which extends to the concept of 'one country, two systems'.

4. Time will prove the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of election which one is better and should be continued. It is for the law of natural selection to take its course.

Based on these reasons, I wish to propose the following:

1. Before 1988, Legislative Councillors should be indirectly elected.

2. Following the elections in 1985, the government should observe and pay attention to the needs of society, collect public opinions and study the possibility of direct elections. There should be a review of the position not later than 1987.

3. Even if the results of the review do not fully favour direct elections on account of technical problems, they should nevertheless be introduced in 1988. Initially there should be four directly elected seats which would be increased to ten in the following Legislative Council elections. The number of directly elected seats should increase progressively as circumstances require.

4. Indirect elections should be retained to coexist with direct elections. The middle class, the professionals and the executives are the mainstay in preserving the prosperity of Hong Kong. They should be represented and have a say at the top level of government. There are very capable people who have contributed immensely to the prosperity of Hong Kong and it is a pity that they belong to the silent majority. They should not be sacrificed for the sake of politics.

5. To introduce civic and political education. The success of the system of representative government depends on the political awareness and education of the people. The form of elections is but of secondary importance. The quality of the people's political education will ...

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