DURING the past two months I have been repeatedly asked a number of stereotyped questions by journalists from other parts of the world, drawn to Hong Kong by interest in our Legislative Council elections.
The questions reflect certain widely held half-truths and misconceptions. Here are some of them.
'The Chinese Government will abolish Hong Kong's Legco in 1997. So why bother to take part in these elections?' I have dealt with this point more than once in this column. The legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) after 1997 will be elected in accordance with the Basic Law.
Originally it was hoped that by extending the term of office of the last pre-1997 legislature beyond the termination of British rule in Hong Kong, it would not be necessary to hold new elections immediately after the establishment of the SAR. This 'through train' arrangement would help effect a smooth transfer of government.
Unfortunately, China and Britain failed to reach a through-train agreement, so the last Legco formed under British rule cannot serve on as the first legislature of the SAR. However, although its term of office will be shorter than expected, the 1995 Legco will play a crucial part in preparations for a good start for the new government.
'China has strongly objected to Governor Chris Patten's electoral arrangements. Will China recognise the new Legco constituted according to these arrangements?' The electoral laws based on Mr Patten's constitutional reform package were duly adopted through the law-making process in Hong Kong. There is no questioning the legitimacy of these laws, and of the legislature formed according to them.
China's objections to the way the Hong Kong legislature is formed will not affect its powers and functions as long as Hong Kong is still under British rule.
