Let mansion become heritage attraction
Now that our Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa, can focus on his tasks for the next five years free of the election hullabaloo, perhaps I might suggest a simple initiative which would enhance Hong Kong's position as a tourist destination as well as bring in much-needed revenue.
I am talking about opening Government House to the public. That such a prime attraction remains available only for government and a certain number of charity functions is tragic.
Five years after the handover, surely concerns about the political correctness of opening the colonial governors' residence could be set aside. If the deft hands that brought us the Museum of Coastal Defence could be applied to Government House, a trip to Upper Albert Road would soon become the highlight of any visitor's stay.
And if Madame Tussaud's could supply a waxwork effigy of, say, Murray MacLehose in full ceremonial regalia so much the better. No one could suggest the spectacle of the colonialist with, as someone famously noted, a dead chicken on his head was glorifying the colonial era, even if it did quietly pay tribute to the governor who achieved most for Hong Kong.
Doubtless there will be security concerns when state leaders visit but surely none too great to test the pragmatism of this city and its administration. If necessary, the building and gardens could be closed on the day of such visits. Other dinners and events could go ahead if the venue was closed at 5pm.
I would urge everyone to badger politicians and business executives to sway the Government into action. After all, it is not often the administration can claim a public relations coup.
Opening Government House would be one such coup.
ANDREW LYNCH
Ap Lei Chau