1989 — Page 126

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# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Mr. Chairman, I have been teased by my friends and peers that luck always comes my way ever since I was young and my mother can confirm this as well. Maybe it was by a stroke of good luck, once again, that I was elected to the Urban Council as a representative of my electoral constituency when the 'newly operated' system was introduced in April 1989 as why I'm here with you today. With caution, excitement and awe, I joined the Urban Council, hoping that I would not fail to live up to the expectations of those who have placed high hopes on me. In a twinkling, nine months have elapsed. During this period, I have experienced a lot of things and came to understand that the primary role of the Urban Council is to formulate policies which will then be executed by the Urban Services Department. As for Urban Councillors, they can give advice on the revision of policies or ordinances so as to ensure that municipal services and facilities are well-received by the general public. As an Urban Councillor, I should direct all my attention to territory-wide issues and abide by the resolutions adopted by the Council without being district-oriented. In other words, we do things within our jurisdiction. Whenever the Council discusses issues concerning individual districts, I would take the opportunity to reflect the views of the district I represent to ensure that municipal services, backed up by district support, can be more effective and better equipped to cater for district needs. As far as I am concerned, there is no conflict of interest at all as we are not fighting on behalf of our electoral constituencies indiscriminately and blindly. In fact, we function like a bridge that serves to make known to the upper levels the condition prevailing at the lower levels and vice versa. Therefore, whenever the Council examines issues concerning the districts we represent, we shall look at them from a different angle. This helps break the 'deadlock' left over from history between the Urban Council and District Boards. Our work in the DB, has never been reduced and ever since joining the Council, such work has always been on the increase. Though by now we become more familiar with our district, we do have a tough time...

Nine months is neither too long nor too short a time. Do the senior Urban Councillors have any ill-feelings against us? Do they always guard themselves against us? Did they display severity to deflate our arrogance when we 'newcomers' assumed office? Frankly speaking, I myself do not feel any of these at all. By now, it can be seen that we have performed our duties impartially and wholeheartedly. As most of us have been working in such 'training grounds' as the District Boards for a very long time, we have gained wide exposure. Therefore, though I have joined the Council, 'the upper stratum of the hierarchy', nothing seems unusual about it. I consider that it is sensible and wise of the government to let DB members be elected to the Urban Council in 1989. Though the duties are arduous and there is still much to be done. I believe that future representatives of various districts will, like us, spare no effort in working silently for the well-being of the Hong Kong people. Finally, I would like to thank my colleagues in the Council who have given me support, encouragement and friendship, leaving me sweet and pleasant memories on the expiry of my term of office.

Mr. Chairman, with the above remarks, I support the motion. Thank you.

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## HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN (in English):--The meeting is now adjourned until Thursday, 11 January 1990 on which day other members of this Council will resume the debate. That concludes the business of today's meeting. The Council stands adjourned until Thursday, 11 January 1990 at 2.30 p.m. Thank you.

ADJOURNMENT—5.40 p.m.