120,000 petitions oil reforms for flong Kong

Press, 2 October 1987, Page 6

120,000 petitions oil reforms for flong Kong

NZPA-Reuter Hong Kong Hong Kong yesterday wound up a crucial survey on proposed poHtlcal reform before the transfer of power in the British colony to Peking in 1997. The independent survey office created by the Government said more than 129,999 petitions expressing opinions on possible reforms were received yesterday’s deadline.

Many were from groups such as trade unions, representing thousands of people. Other letters mailed on Wednesday were expected to be received soon.

In May the Government issued a Green Paper, or discussion document,. Inviting comment on possible reforms including the election of some legislators next year. Members of Hong Kong’s lawmaking body, the Legislative Council, are currently appointed or indirectly elected. A summary of opinions will be given to the governor and his top advisers by the end of next month and a White Paper, or policy document, released next year. Political analysts said the survey would probably show growing support for democracy in Hong Kong before it reverts to Chinese rule, as called for under a 1984 Chinese-British accord. They said the survey would be less clear about the timing of reforms such as direct elections, because China wants the

territory to wait China has openly sought to delay direct elections until its constitution for the peartcolonial era is ready la IHi Pro-PeHng organisations placed a Joint advertisement in Hong Kong’s Chinese newspapers this week opposing direct elections next year. They also told their staff not to support any political changes yet Xu Jiatua, Peking’s chief representative in the colony, called for continued stability and harmony in Hong Kong at a trade union meeting on Tuesday. “We accept practical and constructive criticism. This has always been our policy,” he said. Mr Xu heads the New China News Agency’s Hong Koag branch, Peking’s de facto embassy. . Pressure groups in the colony have held mass rallies, to urge direct elections next year. One rally attracted 19*9 people on Sunday. Opinion polls have shown steady support of more than 49 per cent more than double those opposed. Some businessmen have urged caution, fearing quick change might lead to a confrontation between Britain and China, hurting political stability and damaging the economy. Business leaders placed a front-page advertisement in the main Hong Kong newspapers yesterday calling for no elections until 1999.