MARIA Tam Wai-chu urges us (Sunday Morning Post, July 11), to read the Basic Law and learn how to avoid the blandishments of ''mischief-makers'', in particular those who have the effrontery to criticise the way the People's Republic of China (PRC) handles politics. She is also concerned about ''certain politicians'' who want to ride the through-train and yet be free to express their views on China (or ''hoodwink people'', in Tam's language). She is unhappy with the Governor's comment that the Basic Law provides a sufficient basis to judge the acceptability of Legco members to ride the through-train. Tam always smiles when she talks, and writes charmingly, so I have taken her advice. The Basic Law affirms (Article 5) that the socialist system shall not be practised in Hongkong for 50 years. It allows free speech (Articles 27 and 39). It does not tell us we cannot think negative things about the Government in Hongkong, or that we mustavoid saying them. It provides for elections (Article 68), and in the non-socialist world, that means real elections where people have different opinions and are allowed to take their seats if elected. Tam does not like this very much. ''Western'' democracy is too rich a diet for her fellow citizens. She thinks they should be happy with ''Asian'' democracy. But the Basic Law quite rightly makes no distinction. Nor does the Basic Law reveal a legal justification for excluding the likes of Martin Lee Chu-ming from Legco. Maybe Tam is not too fussed about such nit-picking detail. But since she invited us to learn from its provisions, we should try. The decision by the National People's Congress (NPC), adopted by Annex II of the Basic Law, requires Legco members in the Special Administrative Region (SAR) to uphold the Basic law and pledge allegiance to the SAR. The Legco members must then be confirmed by the Preparatory Committee. Is Tam really saying that criticism should not be permitted in Hongkong, nor proposals for change? Why bother having provisions in the Basic Law for how it may be changed, if it is somehow improper (maybe subversive?) to discuss change. Tell us where the Basic Law states we must be good little boys and defer to China's interpretation of it in our domestic affairs. We have our own courts, with power of final adjudication on matters domestic to Hongkong. We have our own minds, and we have the education to use them. Why are you so afraid we may be misled? Do not be so insecure. The Basic Law is a remarkable document designed to bring the ''One Country, Two Systems'' vision into effect. Read it more carefully: it does not need protection from assault by the capitalist side of the ''Two Systems'' - it is, however imperfectly, the capitalist side! PAUL SERFATY Mid-Levels
