Page 416 of 606
Page 416 of 606
ΤΟ ΟΙ 606
404
PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
I hope those in power will read the I Ching to expose themselves more to our great Chinese culture that has much to learn from, instead of believing in Feng Shui and divination. I hope they will, in the coming year, listen to public opinion instead of going their own way, that their goal is toward social equality and justice and that they will not create inequality and thus social unrest by always putting the interest of those with vested interest first. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With these remarks, I support the motion.
MR. WEN CHOY-BON (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman,
At the turn of the year, it is once again time for us to review and to look forward. Having bidden farewell to the eventful 1998, we are now facing a challenging 1999. Last year, Hong Kong received the severest blows it has ever experienced in several decades. After the N157 (sic) and the bird-flu, came the Financial crises that blanketed the whole Asia, in the wake of which Hong Kong witnessed an unprecedented economic downturn, soaring unemployment and a drop in export growth. Although we survived the repeated attacks by international speculators, 1999 will still be a tough year for us because the financial turmoil in Asia is not yet over. Instead, it is deepening and growing.
The "Hong Kong Spirit" has given us strength to overcome difficulties. This was true in the past as well as at present. As long as we dare to face the reality, to take the right remedial steps to address our difficulties, to show mutual concern to create a harmonious political environment and to unite together, there is no problem that we cannot solve. As the saying goes, “No metal can withstand the collective edge of Hong Kong people”. I hope that from now on, we will refrain from making political rows. We should work on the basis of the Basic Law and concentrate our efforts on tackling the problems now affecting our economy and the people's livelihood. We should put forward constructive and valid proposals and try to listen to other people's rationalistic views. This is conducive to reaching an early and proper resolution for implementation. Employers and employees should have a dialogue with each other and avoid stirring up conflicts. At this difficult time, in order to "reduce costs, secure jobs and bring about economic recovery”, employers and employees should join hands to revive the economy. So long as we can uphold the "Hong Kong Spirit" of enduring unity and superb courage, regain our confidence, adopt a pragmatic attitude and remain adaptive to the ever-changing environment, I am sure we can overcome all the temporary difficulties and Hong Kong will soon come out of the economic dungeon to greet a bright future ahead.
With these remarks, I support the motion.
MR. LAM MAN-FAI (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman,
The Provisional Urban Council Annual Conventional Debate held this year has a special meaning. It is the last debate of this century, and most probably the last debate of the Council. It should be the time for us to sum up our efforts made in the past and to look forward to the next century. Whether
Page 416 of 606
Page 416 of 606
Page 417 of 606
Page 417 of 606
Page 416 of 606
Page 416 of 606
ΤΟ ΟΙ 606
404
PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
I hope those in power will read the I Ching to expose themselves more to our great Chinese culture that has much to learn from, instead of believing in Feng Shui and divination. I hope they will, in the coming year, listen to public opinion instead of going their own way, that their goal is toward social equality and justice and that they will not create inequality and thus social unrest by always putting the interest of those with vested interest first. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With these remarks, I support the motion.
MR. WEN CHOY-BON (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman,
At the turn of the year, it is once again time for us to review and to look forward. Having bidden farewell to the eventful 1998, we are now facing a challenging 1999. Last year. Hong Kong received the severest blows it has ever experienced in several decades. After the N157 (sic) and the bird-flu, came the Financial crises that blanketed the whole Asia, in the wake of which Hong Kong witnessed an unprecedented economic downturn, soaring unemployment and a drop in export growth. Although we survived the repeated attacks by international speculators. 1999 will still be a tough year for us because the financial turmoil in Asia is not yet over. Instead, it is deepening and growing.
The "Hong Kong Spirit" has given us strength to overcome difficulties. This was true in the past as well as at present. As long as we dare to face the reality, to take the right remedial steps to address our difficulties, to show mutual concern to create a harmonious political environment and to unite together. there is no problem that we cannot solve. As the saying goes, “No metal can withstand the collective edge of Hong Kong people”. I hope that from now on. we will refrain from making political rows. We should work on the basis of the Basic Law and concentrate our efforts on tackling the problems now affecting our economy and the people's livelihood. We should put forward constructive and valid proposals and try to listen to other people's rationalistic views. This is conducive to reaching an early and proper resolution for implementation. Employers and employees should have a dialogue with each other and avoid stirring up conflicts. At this difficult time, in order to "reduce costs, secure jobs and bring about economic recovery”, employers and employees should join hands to revive the economy. So long as we can uphold the "Hong Kong Spirit" of enduring unity and superb courage, regain our confidence, adopt a pragmatic attitude and remain adaptive to the ever-changing environment, I am sure we can overcome all the temporary difficulties and Hong Kong will soon come out of the economic dungeon to greet a bright future ahead.
With these remarks, I support the motion.
MR. LAM MAN-FAI (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman,
The Provisional Urban Council Annual Conventional Debate held this year has a special meaning. It is the last debate of this century, and most probably the last debate of the Council. It should be the time for us to sum up our efforts made in the past and to look forward to the next century. Whether
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