Dear Yan Yan,

The Canadian east coast is beautiful, isn ’ t it? It must be a nice feeling that school is finally over and you can have a long vacation. It is a big step moving from school to the real world. University life is memorable and the experience is invaluable. You should treasure this wonderful experience.

If you remember another experience of your life, that on the night of June 30th 1997, you were singing the National anthem inside the Hong Kong Convention Centre, and among the guests there were many dignitaries, including the Chinese and British political leaders. If you remember, while you were inside watching the ceremony on the transfer of sovereignty, we were protesting outside.

The change of sovereignty of Hong Kong is a historical moment that one will not easily forget. Although we were at different side of the wall at that time, we both treasured the opportunity that we have been there. It was ten years ago. At the time, you were only twelve years old and just finished primary school, but now you are graduating with a bachelor degree. Congratulation! Your life has changed drastically in these ten years, and now you are at the other side of the ocean and living a new life, but we are still in Hong Kong fighting the same course.

As for the night on June 30th, all of the democratic legislative councilors stood on the podium of the Legislative Council building, denounced the formation of the Provisional Legislative Council, and pledged that the democrats would fight for democracy and freedom for Hong Kong. I can still vividly remember the strong sentiment and conviction of those people who made those pledges. There were tears in their eyes. I hope people will not forget.

As for Hong Kong ’ s political system, there were many major consultations and reviews in the past ten years, but every time the system remains virtually unchanged.
Hong Kong political system is supposed to be an administrative-led system, and the Administration is supposed to be effective in formulating and administrating policies. Unfortunately, the situation has since changed.

In the former British administration, the Governor was able to dictate his will in administrating Hong Kong. The appointed Legislative Council would approve virtually anything that were proposed by the Administration. There was very little heated debate in the Council.

The British introduced some elements of direct election in the nineties ’ . Although the voice of the direct elected councilors became more vocal, the Council was still effectively controlled by the colonial government. The Administration always had the majority in the Council. However, the situation has since changed. The Hong Kong SAR Government can never be certain that they could have enough votes in the Council.