(19 Jun 1997) 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 wellwishers 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 PLA 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 PLA 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 Chehung, 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 goodbyes 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 Cheehwa 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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