1998 — Page 213

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PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL

I consider that if the Council keeps avoiding stating its stance, the officials who are responsible for carrying the policies will be quite at a loss, to the extent that some implementation procedures which have been well tested will be affected. For example, in the past consideration of the temporary display of a piece of sculpture was simply based on factors such as whether the venue would be too crammed and whether the daily operation of the venue would be affected. However, the case concerning the Pillar of Shame was referred back to the Council for decision and it was obvious that it had something to do with the significance of this piece of sculpture. This is what the Democratic Party has been worrying about. There is the saying of 'misery is often the result of kindness'. Judging from the Council's past record, one can hardly be convinced that the Council is able to keep its promise of preserving the freedom of art and expression.

I hope that through the amendment, I can once again remind the Council of our moral obligation to preserve the freedom of art and expression. At the same time, I also hope that the spirit and the flesh, which were severed in the past, will be re-united so that the officials know what to follow. I have therefore proposed the amendments. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Joseph Lai Chi-keong (in Cantonese):--Mr. Chairman, I second Mr. Wu Chi-wai's amended motion.

CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):--I will, in the order shown on the computer, ask those Members who wish to speak on either the original or amended motion to deliver their speeches. Mr. Mok Ying-fan please.

MR. MOK YING-FAN (in Cantonese):--I am speaking on behalf of the ADPL. The ADPL supports Ms. Ada Wong's original motion but not Mr. Wu Chi-wai's amended motion.

Let me first explain the reason. I consider that to promote and encourage the promotion of art creation by local artists, to give them room for creation and display, and to provide more opportunities for local residents to nurture the appreciation of art have been the principles respected and followed by the Council and myself. We therefore support the original motion.

Here, I would first of all advise that the Council does have a policy on the display of works of art, except that it is a bit incoherent. For instance, if a member of the public applies for the permission to display a work of art or the Council wishes to display a work of art in a museum or the Cultural Centre, the advice of consultants will be sought. They will assess the artistic level of the work of art to be displayed, the suitability for display etc.

And then there are individual cases which are decided by the relevant select committees of the Council. For example, the application for the display of the