Since the events of July 1, over 40 new members have joined the Liberal Party and another 200 are enquiring about joining. That is an impressive tally for us who only have about 300 members. Before then, many who shared the values and beliefs of the Liberal Party were not interested in politics. They left it to the Government to run the SAR, while they busied themselves in earning a living.

However, the crises - financial and otherwise - that have battered the city made them realise that politics is not the exclusive concern of politicians and civil servants. Growing disquiet over rising unemployment and falling property values, as well as the concern over the Article 23, were some of the many reasons which drove half a million citizens to take to the streets on July 1. And the consequence of that action showed demonstrators that they can - indeed must - have a greater influence over the decisions that are made by the government on their behalf.

This is why the party has seized the moment to launch its recruitment campaign. We want to remind fellow citizens that the Liberal party is not exclusively business orientated. Our aim has always been to speak up for the whole community, and to speak with good sense and reason by advocating policies that can increase prosperity and bring a better life for all.

When former US president Bill Clinton made his oft-quoted remark: "It's the economy, stupid..." he was stating a truth acknowledged by all governments, regardless of political creed. In other words, what ordinary men and women care about above all, is the chance to live in a prosperous environment with full employment, job security, where they can improve their lives and fulfil their dreams.

Unless commerce and industry flourish, those dreams may never be realised, and if the Liberal party has seemed to focus exclusively on business, it is simply because we recognise that a sound economy brings benefits to everybody - blue or white collar, employer or employee.

My Liberal colleagues and I have always fought for these principles. We have urged help for those in economic hardship. We have backed job creation schemes, courses teaching new skills and fostering talent, help for school leavers - and yes, we have also pressured the Government to improve the business environment and enhance Hong Kong's competitive edge. Does that sound like the platform of a party that exists only to represent the business elite?

Our priority is always to promote better livelihood of the people. We remain steadfast in our commitment to broad representation through election under the framework laid down in the Basic Law. But we believe the method for forming the Legislative Council and selecting the Chief Executive should be designed in the light of the actual situation in Hong Kong and through orderly progress. We do not believe Hong Kong should pay a heavy price by rushing ill-prepared into an untried system of government.

We should reach a conclusion on the question of full democratisation only after wide consultation with our members, the functional constituencies we represent and the general public. At present no political party is sufficiently financed or experienced to take on the running of Hong Kong. The present government should be preparing the ground by aiding all political parties to build up strong research teams as well as widen their knowledge of democratic systems from elsewhere. At this crucial period in the short history of the SAR, people expect a responsive government. They want to have some input into the policies which affect their daily lives.

The Liberal party, with its relationships in Hong Kong and Beijing, is uniquely placed to fulfil that need. We want to recruit from all walks of life - young and old, professionals and workers, middle-class and grassroots, students, business people, and entrepreneurs. We also want to give a voice to the middle-class which has been particularly hard hit by recession and negative equity. In fact we want to offer the opportunity to anyone who shares the Party's values and beliefs, and wants to participate more in decision-making. Hence our new slogan and the multi-colored banner that spans the spectrum.

If some groups previously felt that the Liberals were not for them - we invite them to come forward and hear what we have to say. We offer them a platform to air their ideas on how best to unite and to build a strong and prosperous society. When more people take an active interest in politics, and learn how the wheels of government turn, they are moving further down the road to universal suffrage.

For that, we need dedicated and sensible politicians who can contribute to a solidly based political system. By recruiting now, my party hopes to foster the growth of an astute electorate, who can choose wisely when the day comes for a fully elected government.

Whatever system Hong Kong ultimately chooses, we firmly believe change should come when we are well prepared to handle it. That is the surest way to maintain the economic prosperity and social stability so indispensable to the well-being of our society.

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