Hong Kong Standard, December 4, 1996

By Baby Sung

CHIEF executive front-runner Tung Chee-hwa on Tuesday called on human rights organisations in the territory to consider "Chinese people's sentiment" after the handover.

At a forum organised by the Society of Hong Kong Scholars, Mr Tung said groups attempting to advocate independence for Taiwan and Tibet would not be tolerated after 1997.

"International organisations are welcome (in Hong Kong), but they have to be more sensitive to the sentiments of Chinese people," Mr Tung said.

"Although human rights groups concerned with Taiwan and Tibet can set up office in Hong Kong, if their work involves advocacy of Taiwanese and Tibetan independence, as a Chinese man, I consider this is intolerable."

Asked whether international groups not "sensitive" enough to Chinese people's sentiments should be kicked out of the territory, Mr Tung said he would take action after careful consideration.

He admitted he was conservative, and the public should know it.

"On the accusation of always saying yes to China, I have done profound studies of what our country has achieved. I am sure my view on China is wide and deep," he said.

"For the long-term interests of the people of Hong Kong, I have to speak my mind, although it may not comply with what Hong Kong people like to hear.

"My personality is reflected in my prudent, step-by-step approach to matters.

"As to whether I am too conservative, you can make a judgment after I become the chief executive."

Former chief justice Yang Ti-liang said it was necessary for the provisional legislature to endorse the appointment of judges to the Court of Final Appeal on 1 July 1997 so the court could operate immediately after the handover.

The Basic Law stipulates that the appeal judges and the Chief Judge of the High Court be nominated by the chief executive. Meanwhile, candidate Peter Woo Kwong-ching has suggested an executive-led government has to preserve the right to interfere in the property market to prevent serious property speculation. Mr Woo warned that political and commercial crises could hit Hong Kong in the five years after the handover. A capable chief executive had to take quick, effective measures to cope with crises, he said.