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'In case the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress by reason of turmoil within the SAR which is beyond the control of the Region decides that the Region is in a state of emergency, the State Council may decree the application of the relevant National laws to that Region.'
This, as at present drafted, could include martial law, and is entirely up to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to decide, they may decide that a state of emergency has arisen in the Region, just because some people make speeches deploring what is happening in Peking or, nearer to Hong Kong, Kwangtung. The controls already existing (like the Chief Executive must be approved by the Chinese Government) to ensure that at least the Executive will not be diametrically opposed to everything that is happening in the other system in the other parts of China. Therefore, in my opinion, it should be the SAR to initiate the decision of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress that there is a state of emergency, and not the other way round. In the climate of distrust that at present prevails in Hong Kong, the man in the street could well think that this Article and/or the residuary powers of the National People's Congress (usually exercised by its Standing Committee), could be used to declare martial law in Hong Kong for a purely local political reason, and when in fact there is no need at all for such a drastic step to be taken. Furthermore, at present, who is to say that this 'thought' is mistaken?
On local political developments in Hong Kong, the Reform Club strongly urges the people of Hong Kong to be of one voice. If not, Hong Kong may never get a fully directly elected Legislative Council, may never get a Governor who is really elected by its people, may never get all those other political reforms which have been urged, by responsible citizens, in the present decade. I simply say to the people of Hong Kong, be of one voice, whatever framework you eventually decide is in the best interest of Hong Kong.
Finally, I adopt entirely the words of the Reform Club in April of this year in dealing with the amendments to the Basic Law. "The real cure is for China herself to make Hong Kong really believe that it is going to put through the concept of 'one country two systems'. Only meaningful efforts by China herself, showing she intends these assurances, can prevent the brain drain which is escalating at this very moment. If this goes on, Hong Kong will lose all the standing in the world which she has won for herself over the last 44 years since the end of the last World War. The brain drain I believe is already starting to affect the efficiency of this Council, through the Urban Services Department, this Council to serve the public and I think the same applies to all other Departments, which make up the Hong Kong Government's overall executive limb.
Mr. Chairman, that is my contribution to this Debate.
MISS CECILIA L. Y. YEUNG (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I have to express my views on the Draft Basic Law as the consultation period is now coming to an end.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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It is stated in the Preamble of the Basic Law that 'upon the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the socialist system and policies will not be practised and the existing capitalist system and way of life shall remain unchanged for 50 years.' It is stated clearly in the beginning that in principle, Hong Kong people are given freedom. But the actual intention is merely asking Hong Kong to maintain its economic development, stability and prosperity. It is obvious that both China and Hong Kong are aiming at stability and prosperity, which the Hong Kong people regard as a powerful weapon for their self-protection. If it becomes so unfortunate that Hong Kong people experience the same fate of the Vietnamese boat people, will there be any asylum for them? For the sake of self-salvation, we have to protect ourselves and persevere in exploring our good future. When one can be made use of, one can of course voice one's opinion freely and do whatever one wants. Hence, the Basic Law can be said to be an illusion that can make both sides comply with the Basic Law and that Hong Kong people's rights are protected.
After the June Fourth incident, those who are jealous of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity have again made some ridiculous remarks: Hong Kong cannot be allowed to become an anti-communism base and Hong Kong people cannot be allowed to feel antagonism against China. If Hong Kong is going to be part of China again, why do they worry about antagonism? Instead, Hong Kong people worry that there will be moves to 'square accounts after the autumn harvest' if they play a part in the consultation.
Both parties have to be open and frank, and should have that sort of warmth and tender feelings of a family in order to facilitate the implementation of the Basic Law. As the saying goes, 'worms will not be bred unless matter has become rotten', the cause of this underlying worry should be anything which undermines confidence and advocates emigration.
Hong Kong people have not mentioned law and order in discussing the Basic Law. What we have been talking about all the time is stability and prosperity. If we want to have prosperity, we must first maintain public order. Prosperity comes after law and order.
The Police Force in Hong Kong has already modernized its communication networks. The expansion of the Police Force should not be neglected at present. The powers of the Police Force have not been stipulated in the Basic Law. Yet, different people may have different views on this point. We need to get more opinion expressed by Hong Kong people. The function of the Police Force is not limited to maintaining law and order, but also includes eliminating the evil and protecting the good. The strengthening of the Police Force is a pressing task.
The stationing of military forces in Hong Kong has also been discussed at the meeting of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group. As Britain has stationed military forces in Hong Kong, China of course takes it as a precedence and claims that she has the same right upon the resumption of the sovereignty over Hong Kong. However, problems such as the size of the troops to be stationed
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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
'In case the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress
by reason of turmoil within the SAR which is beyond the control of the Region decides that the Region is in a state of emergency, the State Council may decree the application of the relevant National laws to that Region.'
This, as at present drafted, could include martial law, and is entirely up to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to decide, they may decide that a state of emergency has arisen in the Region, just because some people make speeches deploring what is happening in Peking or, nearer to Hong Kong, Kwangtung. The controls already existing (like the Chief Executive must be approved by the Chinese Government) to ensure that at least the Executive will not be diametrically opposed to everything that is happening in the other system in the other parts of China. Therefore, in my opinion, it should be the SAR to initiate the decision of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress that there is a state of emergency, and not the other way round. In the climate of distrust that at present prevails in Hong Kong, the man in the street could well think that this Article and/or the residuary powers of the National People's Congress (usually exercised by its Standing Committee), could be used to declare martial law in Hong Kong for a purely local political reason, and when in fact there is no need at all for such a drastic step to be taken. Furthermore, at present, who is to say that this 'thought' is mistaken?
On local political developments in Hong Kong, the Reform Club strongly urges the people of Hong Kong to be of one voice. If not, Hong Kong may never get a fully directly elected Legislative Council, may never get a Governor who is really elected by its people, may never get all those other political reforms which have been urged, by responsible citizens, in the present decade. I simply say to the people of Hong Kong, be of one voice, whatever framework you eventually decide is in the best interest of Hong Kong.
Finally, I adopt entirely the words of the Reform Club in April of this year in dealing with the amendments to the Basic Law. "The real cure is for China herself to make Hong Kong really believe that it is going to put through the concept of 'one country two systems'. Only meaningful efforts by China herself, showing she intends these assurances, can prevent the brain drain which is escalating at this very moment. If this goes on, Hong Kong will lose all the standing in the world which she has won for herself over the last 44 years since the end of the last World War. The brain drain I believe is already starting to affect the efficiency of this Council, through the Urban Services Department, this Council to serve the public and I think the same applies to all other Departments, which make up the Hong Kong Government's overall executive limb.
Mr. Chairman, that is my contribution to this Debate.
MISS CECILIA L. Y. YEUNG (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I have to express my views on the Draft Basic Law as the consultation period is now coming to an end.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 70 of 166
131
It is stated in the Preamble of the Basic Law that 'upon the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the socialist system and policies will not be practised and the existing capitalist system and way of life shall remain unchanged for 50 years.' It is stated clearly in the beginning that in principle, Hong Kong people are given freedom. But the actual intention is merely asking Hong Kong to maintain its economic development, stability and prosperity. It is obvious that both China and Hong Kong are aiming at stability and prosperity, which the Hong Kong people regard as a powerful weapon for their self-protection. If it becomes so unfortunate that Hong Kong people experience the same fate of the Vietnamese boat people, will there be any asylum for them? For the sake of self-salvation, we have to protect ourselves and persevere in exploring our good future. When one can be made use of, one can of course voice one's opinion freely and do whatever one wants. Hence, the Basic Law can be said to be an illusion that can make both sides comply with the Basic Law and that Hong Kong people's rights are protected.
After the June Fourth incident, those who are jealous of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity have again made some ridiculous remarks: Hong Kong cannot be allowed to become an anti-communism base and Hong Kong people cannot be allowed to feel antagonism against China. If Hong Kong is going to be part of China again, why do they worry about antagonism? Instead, Hong Kong people worry that there will be moves to 'square accounts after the autumn harvest' if they play a part in the consultation.
Both parties have to be open and frank, and should have that sort of warmth and tender feelings of a family in order to facilitate the implementation of the Basic Law. As the saying goes, 'worms will not be bred unless matter has become rotten', the cause of this underlying worry should be anything which undermines confidence and advocates emigration.
Hong Kong people have not mentioned law and order in discussing the Basic Law. What we have been talking about all the time is stability and prosperity. If we want to have prosperity, we must first maintain public order. Prosperity comes after law and order.
The Police Force in Hong Kong has already modernized its communication networks. The expansion of the Police Force should not be neglected at present. The powers of the Police Force have not been stipulated in the Basic Law. Yet, different people may have different views on this point. We need to get more opinion expressed by Hong Kong people. The function of the Police Force is not limited to maintaining law and order, but also includes eliminating the evil and protecting the good. The strengthening of the Police Force is a pressing task.
The stationing of military forces in Hong Kong has also been discussed at the meeting of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group. As Britain has stationed military forces in Hong Kong, China of course takes it as a precedence and claims that she has the same right upon the resumption of the sovereignty over Hong Kong. However, problems such as the size of the troops to be stationed
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