For a city constitutionally committed to enhancing its democratic institutions, Hong Kong has not made much progress since the handover.
The decision to disband the municipal councils brought an end to three-tier government, and the community lost two relevant - if not always effective - voices at local level. District councils were expected to take over some of their functions, but they have remained talking shops. Councillors complain their views are not taken seriously, and are already disillusioned about their role. While they remain without real influence or resources, an important function of government is overlooked.
Central government probably finds it easier to forge ahead with plans without having to stop and consider the opinions and recommendations of local councillors. But officials can never have the local knowledge or the contact with the people living in the area that a district councillor has. There is no substitute for that insight, and it should be valued and used.
The SAR has a population of almost seven million, scattered across a small but extremely varied region. The concerns of residents in the new towns is quite different from their fellow citizens in the country villages, or the people on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. But district councillors are familiar with all the problems of their area. They know precisely whether the local refuse collection service works, the adequacy of the medical facilities - in other words they have all the micro knowledge of the issues which the Government has to deal with on a macro level.
Chief Secretary for Administration Anson Chan Fang On-sang has issued a directive to civil servants urging stronger communication with the 18 councils, but that is only one step nearer real power and influence. For that, they need more resources, and a stronger role in monitoring the work of the Government.
