Nine Questions to HKDF

Q: What best describes Hong Kong Democratic Foundation's vision for the future for Hong Kong?
A: We'd like to concentrate on the best of what Hong Kong has now: free enterprise, an independent judiciary, freedom of speech and a tradition of efficient decision-making that largely work for Hong Kong's interest. Our vision, then, is a practical one. We are building a bridge into the future.

Q: What is HKDF's view on the Basic Law?
A: We will work within its confines. Having said that, we also take the view that since laws are made by men, they are changeable. And we will try to improve it.

Q: What's HKDF's view on the pace of democratisation in Hong Kong?
A: The key question is how fast we're willing to go, and how slow we're willing to accept. We are moderates. And we believe in working within the confines of the laws. This means that while we accept that the Basic Law provides for only one-third directly elected seats in Legco by 1995, we'll press for more.

Q: What is HKDF's view on human rights and freedom of information?
A: We support both.

Q: What is HKDF's view on the role of non-Chinese after 1997?
A: We're an international group. In fact, we are the only political think tank in Hong Kong where race and country of origin do not count. What counts is our members' commitment to the cause - the future of Hong Kong. Hong Kong and China need international participation - in terms of technology, knowhow and investment.

Q: What does the HKDF think about the current political development in Hong Kong?
A: We must not be divisive. We believe in supporting the Government when its policies are good for Hong Kong. And when we criticize, we try to offer a constructive solution together with our criticism. We must be unified under one common goal.

Q: Does the HKDF believe in party politics?
A: Yes. One person cannot be as effective as a group.

Q: What role does the HKDF see for Legco?
A: We support a system where elected members of the legislature become the public's "watchdogs" of government policies.

Q: Do you think the democratisation process in Hong Kong could be stopped?
A: Hong Kong is in the modern age now. This is the age of free information flow, the age of computers and satellites. Any attempt to turn back the tide will fail.