I REFER to a letter signed, ''Name and Address Supplied'' (South China Morning Post, April 6), accusing Mr Hari Harilela of trying to sabotage the future of Indians. Nothing is more removed from the truth then this baseless accusation. If the correspondent had bothered to delve into history he would have known the track record of the British as colonial masters. They have left only chaos and turmoil in the wake of every withdrawal from a former colony. Mr Patten's reforms are at least 10 years behind the times. Where was he before the Joint Declaration was signed? That was the time to negotiate with China about democracy and related matters. However the then Governor harboured strong colonial notions and hence discussing a democratic package was considered unwise. Now that the handover of Hongkong back to China is only four years and some months away, creating an impasse over Patten's reform package with China would be suicidal. The people of Hongkong would be best served if Mr Patten withdrew his reform package in its entirety. Who needs democracy at this juncture since Hongkong has survived without it for 150 years? Mr Harilela is absolutely correct in supporting China's stand, because siding with the liberal camp has been to no avail. The British Government, as usual, has reneged on its responsibility to admit Indian nationals into Britain after 1997, many of whom run the risk of becoming stateless. In my view Mr Harilela's appointment as adviser to China on Hongkong affairs is a move in the right direction. He will advise China wisely and hopefully ensure that the interests of all ethnic Indians in Hongkong are best served after 1997. My advice to ''Name and Address Supplied'' is that he awakens quickly from his slumber and gets his priorities clear before putting pen to paper. ADNAN QAYUM Lamma
