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17 refuse to thank Patten for address

Louis Won

At least 17 legislators are likely to vote against the traditional council motion thanking Governor Chris Patten for his policy address.

A Liberal Party source said it would be difficult for its 10 legislators to vote in favour of the motion because his speech had been 'provocative'.

The seven pro-China lawmakers from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong and the Federation of Trade Unions will also vote against the motion.

But other parties will not decide until the vote, which will take place next week after government policy secretaries have replied to the council debate today and tomorrow.

Independent legislator Christine Loh Kung-wai and The Frontier's Emily Lau Wai-hing said they would vote for the courtesy motion.

Unionist legislator Lee Cheuk-yan plans to amend the motion to say the council expresses regret at the British Government's failure to introduce enough democracy to Hong Kong.

Frederick Fung Kin-kee of the Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood wants to add that the council expresses regret at the Government's 'turning a blind eye' to the plight of the poor.

And another unionist, Leung Yiu-chung, wants to accuse the British Government of ignoring the needs of the grassroots when formulating policies.

Legislators can move amendments without prior notice during the debate.

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