End of small-house policy can see Hong Kong become 'one place, one people'
The courageous announcement by Development Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor to end the small-house policy should be strongly supported by the new government and the community.
This policy, which was an invention of the British colonial government to appease the New Territories villagers, is stifling the proper development of this part of Hong Kong.
Due to the historical background that the New Territories was only leased to Britain for 99 years, unlike Hong Kong and Kowloon which were ceded to Britain in perpetuity, different laws under the New Territories Ordinance applied to the land there.
This political difference was abolished by the Joint Declaration signed between the Chinese and British governments in 1984 by which the whole of Hong Kong became one special administrative region of China.
The New Territories then became politically the same as any other part of Hong Kong.
This fundamental political change should have prompted an immediate review of the policy and law regarding the New Territories.
It is illogical that even now, 28 years after the Joint Declaration, different laws and rules still apply to different parts of a small place like Hong Kong.
It is also illogical that New Territories villagers should have special rights and that, in the 21st century, the medieval feudal custom of favouring male descendants is still practised.
A wise solution that is fair to all concerned should be found through open debates and public consultation. This is essential for the future development of Hong Kong.
The New Territories has 90 per cent of the SAR's land resource.
Lack of supply makes land expensive and housing built thereon far beyond the means of a large section of the community.
The temptation to create land through reclamation is a dangerous distraction from the proper solution to our land supply problem.
Reclamation destroys our invaluable natural marine resources without offering a genuine, long-term solution.
The new government under Leung Chun-ying should have the courage, wisdom and political will to abolish all legal differences between the New Territories and the rest of Hong Kong and to adopt a policy that Hong Kong will become 'one place, one people'.
Winston K. S. Chu, adviser, Society for Protection of the Harbour
