Page 24 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

These 3 events indicated that the churches in There are, however, points which need further
Hong Kong, irrespective of theological backgrounds clarification, especially in Section (b) (including the
and traditions, are willing to face Hong Kong’s future stationing of troops) and Section (e) (regarding
"who" and "how"). Also, in Section (c), it was quite
together.
clear from the Annexe 1 of the Joint Declaration that
the Judiciary is independent and the legal system
II. THE COUNCIL AND HONG KONG’S remains much the same (minus the British Link). It
FUTURE is also clear that the Executive is responsible to an
elected legislature. But in the case of the Executive
Branch of the government, what form will it take?
On behalf of the churches in Hong Kong, during
the year under review, the Council has tried to
In a word, the extent to which the people in
respond to Hong Kong’s crucial needs.
Hong Kong wish to and can enjoy freedom to act and
participate has yet to be worked out.
Hong Kong has now 12 years to prepare for be­
coming a Special Administrative Region of the
Believing in the sincerity of the Chinese leader­
People’s Republic of China. This in itself is a radical
ship, and without going against the interest of China,
change. *For eversince its beginning as a city in 1842
the Hong Kong people can make a significant con­
Hong Kong has always been a Colony under British
tribution to the Basic Law.
rule.
The Council has all long been concerned about
The Council holds the view that in order to make
the ultimate importance of the Basic Law. Therefore
this change meaningful and successful, the people
as early as last November the Council has set up the
in Hong Kong together with its present government
vehicle of giving input to its drafting. This machinery
will have to work hard on the following 6 areas: (1)
will be widely representative, and though indepen­
the drafting of the Basic Law; (2) the creating of a
dent of the Council, it will be provided with
truly representative government; (3) the develop­
necessary support from the Council. The Council has
ment of strong and responsible political leadership;
also voted to second an Executive Secretary and its
(4) the introduction of Civic Education for all
lawyer to assist in the whole process.
citizens; (5) the improvement of understanding and
co-operation between Hong Kong and China; and (6)
the support from the international community. 2. Future Government
A Green Paper on "The Future Development
of Representative Government in Hong Kong’’ was
Let me elaborate on these 6 factors which affect .
published in July 1984. It was very widely discussed.
Hong Kong’s future and report briefly how the
After some revisions, it was published as a White
Council has responded to them.
Paper (Government Policy Paper) in November 1984.
1. Basic Law
Government’s basic intention was to open the
The Basic Law is in fact the Mini-Constitution for
Hong Kong to operate after 1st July, 1997. China's legislature to a greater degree of democracy. Up to
this date, all members, both official and unofficial,
N.P.C. voted on 10th April, to proceed with its
have been appointed by the Governor. This
preparation. The Standing Committee of the N.P.C.
September, the electoral college, consisting of all
has appointed a drafting committee of about 60
people, 23 of whom are from Hong Kong. The district board members as well as Urban and
drafting committee will take five years to complete Provisional Regional Councils, will elect 12 members
its work, so the Hong Kong people should have ample from among themselves to sit in the Legislative
opportunity to express their views. Council. Also, 9 functional constituencies (profes­
sional groups) will elect a total of 12 Legislative
The Basic Law is likely to contain 5 major Councillors. Besides these 24 "elected" members,
sections: (a> preamble; (b) S.A.R’s relationship with there will still be 22 appointed unofficials and 10
Beijing, especially in terms of limits and lines of officials. The governor will continue to be the
authority; (c) the political structure and the gover- Council、 President. He will also have the power to
ment system; (d) civic rights and responsibilities; dissolve the Legco. As to the next steps, including
and (e) questions relating to interpretation and whether there will be direct election, this depends on
amendment. the review to take place in 1987.
A great many of the details have already been The Council considered that in order to make
spelled out in the "Agreement", so a great part of the "self governing after 1997’’ successful, well-planned
drafting work is to put these into legal language. political reform need to be ushered in immediately.
22