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discuss objectives which have already been laid down. If Mr. PAO's argument had been correct, then more than two thirds of the motions carried would have required no follow-up action. Let me cite an example. At the monthly meeting on 10 June 1997, it was moved that ‘RESOLVED that the Council strengthen the promotion of popularization of visual arts and preservation of freedom of art, and actively consider giving financial support to civil organizations in promoting the related activities on the district level.' To promote the popularization of visual arts has been our duty and if Mr. PAO's argument had been correct, then there would have been no need for us to discuss the issue at all.
Since the Provisional Urban Council was set up, we have noticed some trends, that is, the trend that "freedom of creation and expression' is restricted and the trend that the SAR Government is exercising interference into and control over the freedom. We also realize that the trends have taken place in a number of issues, that our stance over the issue and the principle, be it in our interrelation with the SAR Government, in the Council's practice or in the views expressed by Members, is not firm enough and that our awareness is inadequate. It is precisely because of this that a motion is specially put forth today to bring out the significance of preserving freedom of creation and expression in the formulation of polices. It is incorporated into the motion for future guidance.
Yes, the original motion may have already covered the point raised in the amended motion, but it is not necessarily so. Nevertheless, we must clarify the situation because since the Handover, there have been a series of incidents, a series of trends pointing to the tightening up of the freedom of art and culture, a series of actions indicating the SAR Government's intention to retrieve the power and to resume the management of art and culture. Against this background, we consider that as an elected representative body, the Council should examine this basic policy under the slogan of 'preserving freedom of creation and expression'.
Just now Mr. IP, the Vice-Chairman, reminded us that the Council had not been dissolved yet, but even if the Council is eventually dissolved and does not exist anymore, we still hope that with the efforts made within these few years, we will be able to show the public how an elected representative body has upheld the belief of preserving freedom of creation and expression, instead of leaving the officials of the SAR Government and so-called independent bodies which are not elected by the people to decide our future policies on art and culture. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (in Cantonese):—Those who wished to speak have spoken. May I ask whether Ms. Ada Wong, mover of the original motion, whether she wishes to exercise the right of reply? Ms. Wong please.
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discuss objectives which have already been laid down. If Mr. PAO's argument had been correct, then more than two thirds of the motions carried would have required no follow-up action. Let me cite an example. At the monthly meeting on 10 June 1997, it was moved that ‘RESOLVED that the Council strengthen the promotion of popularization of visual arts and preservation of freedom of art, and actively consider giving financial support to civil organizations in promoting the related activities on the district level.' To promote the popularization of visual arts has been our duty and if Mr. PAO's argument had been correct, then there would have been no need for us to discuss the issue at all.
Since the Provisional Urban Council was set up, we have noticed some trends, that is, the trend that "freedom of creation and expression' is restricted and the trend that the SAR Government is exercising interference into and control over the freedom. We also realize that the trends have taken place in a number of issues, that our stance over the issue and the principle, be it in our interrelation with the SAR Government, in the Council's practice or in the views expressed by Members, is not firm enough and that our awareness is inadequate. It is precisely because of this that a motion is specially put forth today to bring out the significance of preserving freedom of creation and expression in the formulation of polices. It is incorporated into the motion for future guidance.
Yes. the original motion may have already covered the point raised in the amended motion, but it is not necessarily so. Nevertheless, we must clarify the situation because since the Handover, there have been a series of incidents, a series of trends pointing to the tightening up of the freedom of art and culture. a series of actions indicating the SAR Government's intention to retrieve the power and to resume the management of art and culture. Against this background, we consider that as an elected representative body, the Council should examine this basic policy under the slogan of 'preserving freedom of creation and expression'.
Just now Mr. IP. the Vice-Chairman, reminded us that the Council had not been dissolved yet, but even if the Council is eventually dissolved and does not exist anymore, we still hope that with the efforts made within these few years. we will be able to show the public how an elected representative body has upheld the belief of preserving freedom of creation and expression, instead of leaving the officials of the SAR Government and so-called independent bodies which are not elected by the people to decide our future policies on art and culture. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (in Cantonese):—Those who wished to speak have spoken. May I ask whether Ms. Ada Wong, mover of the original motion, whether she wishes to exercise the right of reply? Ms. Wong please.
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