Hong Kong's future leaders will not be able to steer people away from the ideals which have served them so well, whether these ideals are social, economic or political, Governor Chris Patten said.
Though critical of the long transition period which caused confusion in people's minds over who held the power between the incoming and outgoing administrations, he said he had faith in the future, while recognising there would be an emphasis for change.
'I'm not suggesting there aren't any problems but, by and large, things have worked out effectively. I would expect, after July 1, to see a great deal more emphasis on continuity,' he said.
The setting up of the provisional legislature had hindered, not helped, the transition, he said.
'It would have been better if it had not started work on pieces of legislation which give the impression that the incoming government is nervous about stability in Hong Kong and about the exercise of freedoms in Hong Kong,' he said.
People's concerns about border privileges given to the People's Liberation Army led to the first protest against the troops in Hong Kong.