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of consciousness. We can see this after the formation of the SAR government. Mr. Joseph CHAN does not think this is administrative dictatorship, but I am certain it is an arbitrary form of administration. It is clear that the SAR government has its own political ideology to be implemented in Hong Kong. We can see signs of this from various angles. For example, in the field of culture and art, the government thinks we should attach more importance to Chinese culture and traditional values. On moral principles, we are expected to put collective interest much higher above personal interest. We can read between the lines of Mr. TUNG Chee-hwa's Policy Address about his ruling concept. We have all read about how he felt when he saw people combating floods. During the process of scrapping of the two Municipal Councils, this kind of ruling concept opens hidden crises for art and culture in Hong Kong. The majority of cultural and artistic activities provided by us as an elected council will be blown away and a special government organisation will be put in charge. It leaves us worried that tightening of our state of consciousness will be resulted.
We are given to know that Mr. Tung would like to copy the example of Singapore as far as housing policy is concerned. We are worried that we will have to copy the example of Singapore in policies on culture and art. We don't want to see in Hong Kong comic creators like Tsun Tsi having their works torn up as in Singapore because they involve the leaders. Exhibition of art of this nature is not allowed in Singapore. In the current review of district organisations, this kind of influence on culture is only very lightly covered. There are no detailed descriptions on the influence of changes brought about by this review in respect of culture and art. It is put simply in the Policy Address that some have pointed to overseas experience to illustrate the argument for having dedicated agencies to deal with culture, recreation, and sports matters. So there is the conclusion that it would be more suitable for dedicated agencies to deal with art, culture, recreation, and sports affairs. As to how that conclusion is reached, there is no mention at all. I feel that when we discuss the proposed dissolution of the two Municipal Councils during the consultation period on the review of district organisations, we should put as much emphasis on the influence of recalling power on culture and art in Hong Kong as that on food and environmental health matters. How is Hong Kong to preserve freedom in culture and art when the government decides to recall power with the clear political aim of promoting a series of ideologies? It is a very important topic for discussion.
I hope that in future, apart from discussing about food hygiene, we spend more time to discuss the above topic. We have to make the community understand that recalling power to central directly affects our cultural and artistic development as well as the freedom we are entitled. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MISS ANNIE WU SUK-CHING (in Cantonese):-I was appointed an Urban Councillor only last year. For my own vested interest, I should support the
Page 298 of 606
Page 298 of 606
Page 298 of 606
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PROVISIONAL Urban COUNCIL
of consciousness. We can see this after the formation of the SAR government. Mr. Joseph CHAN does not think this is administrative dictatorship, but I am certain it is an arbitrary form of administration. It is clear that the SAR government has its own political ideology to be implemented in Hong Kong. We can see signs of this from various angles. For example in the field of culture and art, government thinks we should attach more importance to Chinese culture and traditional values. On moral principles, we are expected to put collective interest much higher above personal interest. We can read between the lines of Mr. TUNG Chee-hwa's Policy Address about his ruling concept. We have all read about how he felt when he saw people combatting floods. During the process of scrapping of the two Municipal Councils, this kind of ruling concept opens hidden crises for art and culture in Hong Kong. The majority of cultural and artistic activities provided by us as an elected council will be blown away and a special government organisation will be put in charge. It leaves us worried that tightening of our state of consciousness will be resulted.
We are given to know that Mr. Tung would like to copy the example of Singapore as far as housing policy is concerned. We are worried that we will have to copy the example of Singapore in policies on culture and art. We don't want to see in Hong Kong comic creators like Tsun Tsi having their works torn up as in Singapore because they involve the leaders. Exhibition of art of this nature is not allowed in Singapore. In the current review of district organisations, this kind of influence on culture is only very lightly covered. There are no detailed descriptions on the influence of changes brought about by this review in respect of culture and art. It is put simply in the Policy Address that some have pointed to overseas experience to illustrate the argument for having dedicated agencies to deal with culture, recreation and sports matters. So there is the conclusion that it would be more suitable for dedicated agencies to deal with art, culture, recreation and sports affairs. As to how that conclusion is reached, there is no mention at all. I feel that when we discuss the proposed dissolution of the two Municipal Councils during the consultation period on the review of district organisations, we should put as much emphasis on the influence of recalling power on culture and art in Hong Kong as that on food and environmental health matters. How is Hong Kong to preserve freedom in culture and art when the government decides to recall power with the clear political aim of promoting a series of ideologies? It is a very important topic for discussion.
I hope that in future, apart from discussing about food hygiene, we spend more time to discuss the above topic. We have to make the community understand that recalling power to central directly affects our cultural and artistic development as well as the freedom we are entitled. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MISS ANNIE WỤ SUK-CHING (in Cantonese):-I was appointed an Urban Councillor only last year. For my own vested interest, I should support the
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