ENG-1999 — Page 31

HONG KONG GEARS UP FOR A WORLD WITHOUT WALLS

It is important to appreciate the context in which this takes place. Hong Kong people have generated astonishing success in the last 40 years. They are practical, down-to-earth and politically moderate. There is no real division of opinion over the economic philosophy which has been the foundation of Hong Kong's success.

Since the transition, Hong Kong people have demonstrated how much they treasure the high degree of autonomy granted to them by the Basic Law. They have been quick to speak up on issues affecting their rights and freedoms and the rule of law. In doing so, they have also put their pragmatism on display. It is not their way to rock the boat, much less sink it.

I anticipate a lively public debate to take place on the crucial issue of democratic development. At the heart of this debate will be the pace at which indirect elections through functional constituencies are phased out to reach the Basic Law goal of universal suffrage. It will be important to balance the interests of every section of the community and to arrive at a consensus so that all of our citizens feel they have an equal voice in the way they are governed. It would be extremely divisive to split the community into first and second class citizens.

All of this means change, but coherent change that Hong Kong people can accept and identify with. There are, however, some things that make up the delicate fabric of Hong Kong society that will not change, except in the sense that they need to be enhanced and strengthened. I refer to the institutional and policy software that provides the foundations for Hong Kong's success: the rule of law, an independent judiciary; a clean and apolitical civil service; a maturing democracy; a level playing field for business; the free and unfettered flow of information and ideas; minimal government involvement in but maximum government support for the economy.

These are the guiding lights that have consistently won Hong Kong recognition as the world's freest economy (for the sixth consecutive year by the Heritage Foundation and the 15th consecutive year by the Fraser/Cato Institutes).

History has bequeathed to Hong Kong an unusually important role for the Civil Service, a role that has continued through the transition. The service has provided the necessary continuity. It is a meritocratic institution, based on commitment and ability rather than political patronage, and stands ready to be judged on its probity, the calibre of its decision-making processes and the quality and care of services it delivers to the community.

The Hong Kong Civil Service has over the years adapted to many changes. With the reforms currently under way, its structure should be sufficiently flexible to respond quickly to changing community needs. A major challenge over recent years has been to keep pace with the evolution of a more dynamic style of government, in particular a more representative and demanding legislature and an always probing press. The Civil Service has responded well, and is ready to play its part in this evolutionary process in the years ahead.

It is extremely important in this context for the Civil Service to maintain and enhance the values and culture it has developed over many decades. These traditions, in turn, have earned it recognition for its dedication, nimbleness and competence. The core values of political neutrality, and intellectual rigour, a willingness indeed, a duty to fearlessly give honest, balanced advice to superior officers, must be carried through to the SAR's future generations of civil servants. The community must be able to look to the Civil Service to implement faithfully 'one country two systems',

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