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After affirming the idea of direct elections, why should they be introduced as from 1988? The main reason is that the majority of those supporting direct elections consider 1988 the most appropriate time to start off. In the White Paper on Representative Government released in 1984, the government pointed out that 'there was strong public support for the idea of direct elections', and that 'the bulk of public response from all sources suggested a cautious approach with a gradual start by introducing a very small number of directly elected members in 1988 and building up to a significant number of directly elected members by 1997.' That means the government at that time had already fully understood the people's wishes. In the last one or two years, more and more people especially the more outspoken younger generation and the professionals had openly supported direct elections. By 1997, these people will become pillars of society working hard for the prosperity and stability of the territory. If direct elections do not start in 1988, it will be a heavy blow to their confidence towards government and their devotion to society. More serious still, they will doubt if there is an 'invisible hand' manipulating behind the constitutional reform of Hong Kong. It will also be difficult for the government to get rid of its 'lame duck' image.
According to an opinion survey conducted last October by an independent local organization at the request of BBC, over 80 per cent of the interviewees favoured an introduction of direct elections in Hong Kong. Another questionnaire survey done by a local Chinese language newspaper last September showed that 68 per cent of the members of District Boards, Urban and Regional Councils agreed that the Legislative Council should hold direct elections by the constituencies in 1988. Findings of these surveys clearly indicate that the public as well as a large number of Council members are heartily in favour of direct elections. If the Chinese and the British governments respect the wishes of the people of Hong Kong, they should give their blessing to the introduction of directly elected seats in the Legislative Council in 1988.
To advance step by step is an important principle for the development of representative government. If we defer direct elections to 1990 instead of starting in 1988, we shall have even shorter time to reform the executive organs. This is contrary to the step-by-step principle and will add difficulties to the constitutional reform during the transition period. The Basic Law that governs the political system after 1997 will be finalized in 1990. If the Legislative Council does not have its first direct election in 1988, we shall not be able to have a review on the experience thereby to decide whether directly elected element is desirable for the legislature after 1997 and if yes, to work out its proportion, before the finalization of the Basic Law.
Lastly, I would like to call on my colleagues of the Urban Council to continue to work for the democratization of Hong Kong and to support the constitutional reform for creation of a bright future.
Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.
ADJOURNMENT—5.40 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 meeting on the 13 January. Before we disperse, I wish all persons here today a happy Christmas and of course exceedingly a prosperous new year. That concludes the business of today's meeting. The Council stands adjourned until Tuesday, 13 January at 2.30 p.m.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, HONG KONG
Page 171 of 201
Page 171 of 201
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
301
300
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
After affirming the idea of direct elections, why should they be introduced as from 1988? The main reason is that the majority of those supporting direct elections consider 1988 the most appropriate time to start off. In the White Paper on Representative Government released in 1984, the government pointed out that 'there was strong public support for the idea of direct elections', and that 'the bulk of public response from all sources suggested a cautious approach with a gradual start by introducing a very small number of directly elected members in 1988 and building up to a significant number of directly elected members by 1997.' That means the government at that time had already fully understood the people's wishes. In the last one or two years, more and more people especially the more outspoken younger generation and the professionals had openly supported direct elections. By 1997, these people will become pillars of society working hard for the prosperity and stability of the territory. If direct elections do not start in 1988, it will be a heavy blow to their confidence towards government and their devotion to society. More serious still, they will doubt if there is an 'invisible hand' manipulationg behind the constitutional reform of Hong Kong. It will also be difficult for the government to get rid of its 'lame duck' image.
According to an opinion survey conducted last October by an independent local organization at the request of BBC, over 80 per cent of the interviewees favoured an introduction of direct elections in Hong Kong. Another questionnaire survey done by a local Chinese language newspaper last September showed that 68 per cent of the members of District Boards, Urban and Regional Councils agreed that the Legislative Council should hold direct elections by the constituencies in 1988. Findings of these surveys clearly indicate that the public as well as a large number of Council members are heartily in favour of direct elections. If the Chinese and the British governments respect the wishes of the people of Hong Kong, they should give their blessing to the introduction of directly elected seats in the Legislative Council in 1988.
To advance step by step is an important principle for the development of representative government. If we defer direct elections to 1990 instead of starting in 1988, we shall have even shorter time to reform the executive organs. This is contrary to the step-by-step principle and will add difficulties to the constitutional reform during the transition period. The Basic Law that governs the political system after 1997 will be finalized in 1990. If the Legislative Council does not have its first direct election in 1988, we shall not be able to have a review on the experience thereby to decide whether directly elected element is desirable for the legislature after 1997 and if yes, to work out its proportion, before the finalization of the Basic Law.
Lastly, I would like to call on my colleagues of the Urban Council to continue to work for the democratization of Hong Kong and to support the constitutional reform for creation of a bright future.
Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.
ADJOURNMENT—5.40 p.m.
CHAIRMAN (in English):-Ladies and Gentlement, as agreed in the Standing Committee, the Chairman's right of reply will take place at the next meeting on the 13 January. Before we disperse, I wish all persons here today a happy Christmas and of course exceedingly a prosperous new year. That concludes the business of today's meeting. The Council stands adjourned until Tuesday, 13 January at 2.30 p.m.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, HONG KONG
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