A quest for local power
The government is expected to publish its proposals on expanding the function and power of district councils next month, following the pledge by Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen in his October policy address.
The plans will disappoint the public if they are, as the secretary for constitutional affairs has hinted, confined to giving district councils a say in the management of local public facilities.
That is an important step, but it is far from enough. If the district councils were limited to providing general comments in the government's so-called 'consultation' exercises - and overseeing the management of local swimming pools and libraries - the system would be a vast facade, an irresponsible waste of the public's time and money.
Perhaps it is time for someone to find out exactly what district councillors do with their time. It appears that many hours are spent on trivial exercises, with little benefit to the district as a whole.
But, in sharp contrast, there are many young district councillors who put great effort into serious local issues. In Wan Chai, district councillors helped locals in their fight against the wholesale demolition of 'Wedding Card Street'. They organised residents to propose an alternative plan for the renewal and development of the area. They worked hard to organise meetings for residents to put their views to officials and developers.
Such local efforts are no less legitimately part of district councillors' jobs than deciding the opening hours of local swimming pools. Demolition and development, the building and design of facilities, and urban renewal affect the lives of local residents profoundly.
Yet it is also in these matters that conscientious and imaginative district councillors experience the greatest frustration. Rather than getting due recognition, their efforts are dismissed as 'confrontational politics'.
The government's review ought to face up to the real questions: what is the proper role of district councils, and what support is needed for them to perform that role? Also, given this proper role, how can district councils help to train or attract more people for political office?
Under the Basic Law, district councils may be consulted by the government 'on district administration and other affairs', and may also provide services 'in such fields as culture, recreation and environmental sanitation'.
The method of consultation needs to be brought up to date. Community participation is the key. The district councillor is no longer just the wise elder person who can be counted on to speak for the ordinary people. His job should be far more pivotal and creative.
He holds the watching brief, and keeps residents informed of all important decisions and policies affecting their district. He ensures that they are included in the government's decision-making process from beginning to end.
This in turn creates a much better chance that residents will accept government policies, leading to greater harmony and a stronger sense of community and pride. If this happened in more districts, Hong Kong would be a much happier and healthier place.
Such a job is worthy of anyone who aspires to a far-reaching political life. It helps develop political skills and a deeper understanding of public policies, while winning votes for the next election. This is also where a strong and healthy political party can play a useful role, by providing both the environment for political learning and development, and the kind of organisation that would make the efforts of the district councillor more effective.
Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee is a legislator representing the legal profession
