We in Hong Kong should share the confidence of British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, in the future of the SAR.
Speaking during a visit here last week, Mr Straw said he considered 'the SAR's high degree of autonomy, the rule of law and independence of the courts were unaffected after the change of flags' (South China Morning Post, July 19). There have been some causes for concern in the past five years, but the Basic Law and the 'one country, two systems' approach are still very much in place. And this will continue to be the case, so long as we have a free press and an ever-vigilant legislature.
Right now, confidence in Hong Kong's economic future is taking a battering, partly because of the high unemployment rate. But those of us whose home is Hong Kong must have faith in ourselves and work with the SAR government to ride out the current restructuring and cyclical economic woes until the tide turns.
The Hong Kong Civic Association believes that Hong Kong has the fundamentals to endure as China's premier international city, regional financial and services centre, and as an expanding knowledge society that will sustain our prosperity, our civic responsibility and steady democratic progress.
HILTON CHEONG-LEEN
Chairman
