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2.
3.
4.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
according to the representative and balanced requirements of the Council.
Functional constituencies
I am against the proposed indirect elections by functional constituencies. My reasons are:
(1) It is extremely difficult to define these functional groups and qualifications of their members. Moreover, it is impossible to include all trade and professions which have all contributed to the development of Hong Kong.
(2) Legislative Council members elected by functional constituencies will be even less independent and objective than individuals appointed by government.
(3) The appointed system would serve the purpose of balanced representation as the functional constituencies.
I therefore suggest:
(a) To abolish the functional constituencies and re-assign the seats under this category to that under the appointed category.
The role of the Legislative Council
Though under the present system the Legislative Council has the power to enact legislation and monitor the Administration, the ultimate power still rests with the Governor. If the role of the Legislative Council remains unchanged, representative government cannot really be developed even if all the seats are filled by directly elected members, nor democracy achieved.
My proposals are:
(a) The Legislative Council should gradually, but not later than 1994, become independent as the highest authoritative and representative body in Hong Kong.
(b) Under the Legislative Council, different sub-committees may be set up, according to governmental structure, to monitor and supervise the work of the various government departments. Their functions would be similar to those of the Urban Council select committees.
(c) The chairmen of these sub-committees would be elected from among the Legislative Councillors while some of the sub-committee members may be co-opted from outside the Council. In this way, community leaders and professionals will also play their role as individuals under the mainly elected system.
The Executive Council
I agree in principle with the Green Paper that the Executive Council should be kept as the highest consultative body to advise the Governor
5.
6.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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on matters of policy. However, it is necessary to introduce progressively into the Council elements of democracy.
My proposals are:
(a) Not less than half of the Executive Councillors should be elected by the Legislative Council from among their members while the remaining seats shared equally by appointed and ex officio members not later than 1988.
(b) Not later than 1994, principal membership of the Executive Council should be filled by the chairmen of the various sub-committees of the Legislative Council who would form a sort of cabinet while some of the other members may be appointed by the Governor.
The time for review
I consider it is too late to review the development of representative government in 1989 as suggested in the Green Paper. I therefore propose:
(a) To conduct the review in 1987.
Other pressing, important reforms
No matter how representative government develops in Hong Kong in the future, I deem that the following reforms are urgently needed so as to lay the foundation for a better system of government.
I propose:
(a) The government should promote civic education and education on democracy in our schools and through the mass media, and a special committee with representatives from a wide cross-section of the community be formed to co-ordinate the work.
(b) Consultation with the grassroots on central government policies should be strengthened through the district boards.
(c) Government should make more information regarding government departments available to allow the public to monitor their work.
Conclusion
Finally, I wish to remind all colleagues that political reforms designed in the long-term interests of the people should not only embrace democratic ideals but also help to establish an effective government and promote prosperity and social progress. We should not just consider the past systems and the historical factors, but always keep in mind the building of an effective autonomous Hong Kong governed by its own people.
The Green Paper still leaves a lot to be desired and I do ask government to make appropriate amendments before the White Paper is published so that we
Page 78 of 233
120
2.
3.
4.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
according to the representative and balanced requirements of the
Council.
Functional constituencies
I am against the proposed indirect elections by functional constituencies. My reasons are:
(1) It is extremely difficult to define these functional groups and qualifications of their members. Moreover, it is impossible to include all trade and professions which have all contributed to the development of Hong Kong.
(2) Legislative Council members elected by functional constituencies will be even less independent and objective than individuals appointed by government.
(3) The appointed system would serve the purpose of balanced
representation as the functional constituencies.
I therefore suggest:
(a) To abolish the functional constituencies and re-assign the seats under this category to that under the appointed category.
The role of the Legislative Council
Though under the present system the Legislative Council has the power to enact legislation and monitor the Administration, the ultimate power still rests with the Governor. If the role of the Legislative Council remains unchanged, representative government cannot really be de- veloped even all the seats are filled by directly elected members, nor democracy achieved.
My proposals are:
(a) The Legislative Council should gradually, but not later than 1994, become independent as the highest authoritative and representative body in Hong Kong.
(b) Under the Legislative Council, different sub-committees may be set up, according to governmental structure, to monitor and supervise the work of the various government departments. Their functions would be similar to those of the Urban Council select committees. (c) The chairmen of these sub-committees would be elected from among the Legislative Councillors while some of the sub-committee members may be co-opted from outside the Council. In this way, community leaders and professionals will also play their role as individuals under the mainly elected system.
The Executive Council
I agree in principle with the Green Paper that the Executive Council should be kept as the highest consultative body to advise the Governor
5.
6.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 78 of 233
121
on matters of policy. However, it is necessary to introduce progressively into the Council elements of democracy.
My proposals are:
(a) Not less than half of the Executive Councillors should be elected by the Legislative Council from among their members while the remaining seats shared equally by appointed and ex officio members not later than 1988.
(b) Not later than 1994, principal membership of the Executive Council should be filled by the chairmen of the various sub-committee of the Legislative Council who would form a sort of cabinet while some of the other members may be appointed by the Governor.
The time for review
I consider it is too late to review the development of representative government in 1989 as suggested in the Green Paper. I therefore propose:
(a) To conduct the review in 1987.
Other pressing, important reforms
No matter how representative government develops in Hong Kong in the future, I deem that the following reforms are urgently needed so as to lay the foundation for a better system of government.
I propose:
(a) The government should promote civic education and education on democracy in our schools and through the mass media, and a special committee with representatives from a wide cross-section of the community be formed to co-ordinate the work.
(b) Consultation with the grassroots on central government policies
should be strengthened through the district boards. (c) Government should make more information regarding government departments available to allow the public to monitor their work.
Conclusion
Finally, I wish to remind all colleagues that political reforms designed in the long-term interests of the people should not only embrace democratic ideals but also help to establish an effective government and promote prosperity and social progress. We should not just consider the past systems and the historical factors, but always keep in mind the building of an effective autonomous Hong Kong governed by its own people.
The Green Paper still leaves a lot to be desired and I do ask government to make appropriate amendments before the White Paper is published so that we
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