HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
339
bring about the governing of the territory by local people, and look forward to an even more promising future.
There are some who spread views regarding bleakness before and after Hong Kong's reversion to Chinese rule. On one hand, they claim they support China's recovery of sovereignty over Hong Kong. On the other hand, they predict that once the British leave the territory, Hong Kong will suffer major recessions in democracy, freedom, rule by law, and human rights. Such pessimism extends to the economy and livelihood as well.
We must continue to prove, by means of factual evidence, that such alarmists are mistaken. It is not that we are blindly optimistic. The 'one country, two systems' concept being unprecedented, we do not underestimate the difficulties and problems in the establishment of the Special Administrative Region. However, we have the courage and confidence to surmount difficulties and resolve problems. We already have the Basic Law. To carry out the plan of Hong Kong being ruled by Hong Kong people and a high degree of autonomy for the territory, we, in structuring and setting up the first Special Administrative Region government, have taken a successful first step. As long as Hong Kong citizens act in the long-term interests of the territory and uphold the spirit of seeking overall unity while tolerating minor differences, and as long as we strengthen communication and cooperation with the Central Government and comprehensively implement the Basic Law, the 'one country, two systems' concept will certainly work, and post-reversion Hong Kong will definitely fare even better than before.
Seeking Reform While Maintaining Stability
Mr. Chairman, as an Urban Councillor representing the Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong, I have always adhered firmly to the principle of 'seeking reform while maintaining stability' in my guidance and handling of the Urban Council's daily affairs. We are of the opinion that the Urban Council, which boasts a history of 110-odd years, is a mature, well-organised and experienced council. We can all see the contributions that the Urban Council has made towards Hong Kong, its provision of excellent passive recreational facilities, its popularization of amenities and sports, its promotion of culture, and its maintenance of good environmental hygiene, and we should learn from and carry on the many experiences of success. However, at the same time, we are also aware that the Urban Council is a massive bureaucratic establishment supported by 16,000 staff members of the Urban Services Department and which manages and provides urban service facilities and activities for three-million-odd local citizens. With social, political, and economic development and the local population's seeking of improvement in living standards, there is a need for continuous reform in urban services so as to discard weaknesses and retain strengths. This is in line with the demands of the era. In accordance with the above-mentioned concept, we insist that the Urban Council, as a practical and non-governmental body, should attend to its
Page 297 of 498
Page 297 of 498
Page 297 of 498
Page 297 of 498
Page 297 of 498
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
339
bring about the governing of the territory by local people, and look forward to an even more promising future.
There are some who spread views regarding bleakness before and after Hong Kong's reversion to Chinese rule. On one hand, they claim they support China's recovery of sovereignty over Hong Kong. On the other hand, they predict that once the British leave the territory, Hong Kong will suffer major recessions in democracy, freedom, rule by law, and human rights. Such pessimism extends to the economy and livelihood as well.
We must continue to prove, by means of factual evidence, that such alarmists are mistaken. It is not that we are blindly optimistic. The 'one country, two systems' concept being unprecedented, we do not underestimate the difficulties and problems in the establishment of the Special Administrative Region. However, we have the courage and confidence to surmount difficulties and resolve problems. We already have the Basic Law. To carry out the plan of Hong Kong being ruled by Hong Kong people and a high degree of autonomy for the territory, we, in structuring and setting up the first Special Administrative Region government, have taken a successful first step. As long as Hong Kong citizens act in the long-term interests of the territory and uphold the spirit of seeking overall unity while tolerating minor differences, and as long as we strengthen communication and cooperation with the Central Government and comprehensively implement the Basic Law, the 'one country. two systems' concept will certainly work, and post-reversion Hong Kong will definitely fare even better than before.
Seeking Reform While Maintaining Stability
Mr. Chairman, as an Urban Councillor representing the Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong, I have always adhered firmly to the principle of 'secking reform while maintaining stability' in my guidance and handling of the Urban Council's daily affairs. We are of the opinion that the Urban Council, which boasts a history of 110-odd years, is a mature, well-organised and experienced council. We can all see the contributions that the Urban Council has made towards Hong Kong, its provision of excellent passive recreational facilities, its popularization of amenities and sports, its promotion of culture, and its maintenance of good environmental hygiene, and we should learn from and carry on the many experiences of success. However, at the same time, we are also aware that the Urban Council is a massive bureaucratic establishment supported by 16 000 staff members of the Urban Services Department and which manages and provides urban service facilities and activities for three-million-odd local citizens. With social, political, and economic development and the local population's seeking of improvement in living standards, there is a need for continuous reform in urban services so as to discard weaknesses and retain strengths. This is in line with the demands of the era. In accordance with the above-mentioned concept, we insist that the Urban Council, as a practical and non-governmental body, should attend to its
Page 297 of 498
Page 297 of 498
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