Callers on phone-in heap high praise on Governor
Mr Patten had good reason to feel relaxed at the first test of his swan song policy address.
On an RTHK phone-in programme, he was flattered by a number of supportive callers among the 21 who got through to him. A record 165 Chinese-speaking callers and 30 English speakers rang during the 90-minute programme.
Of the 21, eight praised Mr Patten and his policy address. Some said his achievements would make world leaders envious and urged his successor to be as open.
'You've stood up for Hong Kong people, given them rule of law, human rights and civil liberties,' one caller said.
A woman caller said Mr Patten would be in line for a 'high governor's degree'. 'You're too kind,' responded the Governor, adding: 'Not everybody shares that view, as you know.' The last caller asked Mr Patten for a signed photograph as a souvenir. 'I don't want to see you go,' she said. Mr Patten was impressed by all the thanks and farewells. 'I will be off - and I will be sad but it is a consequence of history - I will be off at the stroke of midnight on June 30 next year. We'll send you a signed photograph but . . . I won't be able to stay beyond June 30, 1997.'
