HONG KONG: CHRIS PATTEN SPEAKS AT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR LAST TIME
English/Nat
Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten says his biggest regret is not convincing
Beijing that it could trust
Hong Kong's people.
Patten spoke Thursday at his last
Question Time in the
Territory's
Legislative Council before the handover to
China.
Arriving for the last time at the LegCo building with his wife
Lavender, Patten was greeted by a small group of well-wishers anxious to witness a little bit of history.
After the handover, this elected legislature will no longer sit.
It was established under electoral reforms introduced by Patten despite ardent protests from Beijing.
From July 1, a provisional legislature appointed by China will occupy these benches.
Democratic Party leader
Martin Lee - who will lose his seat after the handover - asked the first question.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"
What is the single most important thing you would have liked to have done for Hong Kong which you could not do."
SUPER CAPTION: Martin Lee, Chairman Democratic Party
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"What I would have liked to have been able to do was to convince the leaders in
Peking that there was nothing to worry about in Hong Kong, that they could trust Hong Kong, that they could be relaxed about Hong Kong."
SUPER CAPTION: Chris Patten, outgoing Hong Kong Governor
With his wife watching from the balcony, Patten was questioned about accusations that the P-L-A are enjoying special privileges ahead of the handover - accusations the governor categorically denied.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"There are no instructions to do other than apply the existing customs and immigration regulations impartially and fairly to everyone, whether they're in the P-L-A or whether in the girl guides."
SUPER CAPTION: Chris Patten, outgoing Hong Kong Governor
At the end of the session, one hypothetical but lighthearted question from an inquisitive member.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"What would you have done if you had been a
Prime Minister in the last five years?"
SUPER CAPTION: Dr.
Leong Che-hung, LegCo member
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I think as things have turned out, I'd have appointed myself governor of Hong Kong."
SUPER CAPTION: Chris Patten, outgoing Hong Kong Governor
Patten had a chance to say personal good-byes to LegCo members at a champagne reception after the Question Time.
And as a parting gift, he was given a silver tankard.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"
It's now time for
Hong Kong people to run Hong Kong, and I am sure you'll make an extremely good job of it.
Thank you very much indeed."
SUPER CAPTION: Chris Patten, outgoing Hong Kong Governor
As the outgoing governor was saying his farewells, Hong Kong's future leader
Tung Chee-hwa was welcoming the new at the Territory's airport.
Tung was on hand to unveil a
Boeing 747 specially painted to commemorate the handover of Hong Kong to China.
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