Page 489 of 490
Page 489 of 498
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
537
He said (in Cantonese):- -Mr. Chairman, my motion today is very simple. I ask that the Urban Council co-operate with Government and the Association for the Celebration of the Return of Hong Kong in organizing celebration activities. In fact, this request conforms to the needs of our people. It is our duty to do so. During the New Year Celebrations, we organized flower markets and lantern fairs. The aim has always been to celebrate important and happy occasions.
I July 1997 will become a special festival for the people of Hong Kong. It will be a public holiday. I don't think I need to go into it. I just want to emphasize that I July is more meaningful than the New Year that just passed, more so this year. It signals the return of Hong Kong to China. It means Hong Kong people will take on a new identity and handle our own affairs. This is something to celebrate.
Hong Kong is a part of China. More than 100 years ago, British colonialists used force and signed an unequal treaty with China under which Hong Kong was ceded. About ten years ago, today's new China sat down at the negotiation table and peacefully solved the matter of sovereignty without resorting to military force. Because of this arrangement, this city in South China and her 98% of Chinese people can now return to the arms of China. This is a great thing of the century.
The return of Hong Kong indirectly forced Britain to develop democracy in Hong Kong. In 1980, the British side became aware of the intent of the Chinese government to take back Hong Kong. In 1982, district boards were formed. In 1985, district board elections were held on a large scale as a step towards representative government. In September 1985, the first Legislative Councillors were indirectly elected. After that, the Chinese government formulated the one country two systems policy for Hong Kong so that Hong Kong people would be allowed to handle their own affairs. Our return in 1997 signals the beginning of a new era and it is cause for celebration. Some of us may worry about the future, some others may cling to the past British rule because of their limited knowledge of China. These influences should not be allowed to spoil celebrations. I believe the people of Hong Kong will apply their wisdom and adopt a positive attitude to create a brighter future for Hong Kong. I can say for certain that Hong Kong will be the most prosperous city of China.
Earlier on, TV stations broadcasted many interviews with mainlanders. They may not be directly connected with Hong Kong, but they know this is the year of our return. They expressed happiness for our return. Their excitement reassured me. I am convinced that it is our duty to organize celebrations for our return to China well.
As we all know, government and civic bodies have done a great deal of preparations for celebration activities. Government has specially set up a unit for the purpose. Important personalities from all over the world have been
Page 180 of 109.
Page 489 of 498
Page 489 of 490
Page 489 of 498
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
537
He said (in Cantonese):- -Mr. Chairman, my motion today is very simple. I ask that the Urban Council co-operate with Government and the Association for the Celebration of the Return of Hong Kong in organizing celebration activities. In fact, this request conforms to the needs of our people. It is our duty to do so. During the New Year Celebrations, we organized flower markets and lantern fairs. The aim has always been to celebrate important and Ihappy occasions.
I July 1997 will become a special festival for the people of Hong Kong. It will be a public holiday. I don't think I need to go into it. I just want to emphasize that I July is more meaningful than the New Year that just passed, more so this year. It signals the return of Hong Kong to China. It means Hong Kong people will take on a new identity and handle our own affairs. This is something to celebrate.
Hong Kong is a part of China. More than 100 years ago. British colonialists used force and signed an unequal treaty with China under which Hong Kong was ceded. About ten years ago, today's new China sat down at the negotiation table and peacefully solved the matter of sovereignty without resorting to military force. Because of this arrangement, this city in South China and her 98% of Chinese people can now return to the arms of China. This is a great thing of the century.
The return of Hong Kong indirectly forced Britain to develop democracy in Hong Kong. In 1980, the British side became aware of the intent of the Chinese government to take back Hong Kong. In 1982, district boards were formed. In 1985, district board elections were held on a large scale as a step towards representative government. In September 1985, the first Legislative Councillors were indirectly elected. After that, the Chinese government formulated the one country two systems policy for Hong Kong so that Hong Kong people would be allowed to handle their own affairs. Our return in 1997 signals the beginning of a new era and it is cause for celebration. Some of us may worry about the future, some others may cling to the past British rule because of their limited knowledge of China. These influences should not be allowed to spoil celebrations. I believe the people of Hong Kong will apply their wisdom and adopt a positive attitude to create a brighter future for Hong Kong. I can say for certain that Hong Kong will be the most prosperous city of China.
Earlier on. TV stations broadcasted many interviews with mainlanders. They may not be directly connected with Hong Kong, but they know this is the year of our return. They expressed happiness for our return. Their excitement reassured me. I am convinced that it is our duty to organize celebrations for our return to China well.
As we all know, government and civic bodies have done a great deal of preparations for celebration activities. Government has specially set up a unit for the purpose. Important personalities from all over the world have been
Page 180 of 109.
Page 489 of 498
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