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The following is the translation of a message on the the 80th anniversary of the May Fourth Movement, delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, on RTHK's "Talkabout" programme this (Friday) morning :

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to you on the air today. In future, I hope I have other opportunities to share with you my views and feelings on different subjects.

"As May 4th is drawing near, I would like to talk about this significant date. It has been eighty years since the May Fourth Movement broke out in 1919. For all of us, especially for our young people, it is of particular importance to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the May Fourth Movement and review this part of history at a time when our country is flourishing with vigour and vitality and Hong Kong people are ruling Hong Kong under the concept of 'One Country, Two Systems'.

"In my earlier years on the Mainland, I witnessed a period of turbulence and poverty. I therefore fully appreciate why eighty years ago, passionate young people initiated a momentous patriotic movement on this ancient land, to promote 'democracy' and 'science', to arouse the masses to challenge established thinking. These young people had a dream. China was once a great nation and they wanted to see our country become great once more.

"For China, which has a history of over five thousand years, eighty years was but a fleeting moment. But over these eighty years, sweeping changes have taken place in our country, which we are all proud to see. China has evolved from a country plagued by foreign invasion and domestic upheavals to a stable and peaceful nation exercising the rule of law, from a backward and isolated country to a nation that has opened up and become stronger through the promotion of science and technology, and from a poverty-stricken country to a nation with a rising standard of living. From a country which was oppressed , China increasingly has become a state which plays an important role in the international arena. With the country making progress on various fronts and a growing reputation, Chinese people who once suffered humiliation have regained their pride and dignity. We are now able to proceed along a path which our predecessors could only dream of.

"I feel envious of my children and the new generations in our society. You are fortunate enough to be able to study, work and live in a conducive environment. l always remind myself that as parents, we have the responsibility and obligation to create a better future for the younger generations. Equally, we have the responsibility and obligation to cultivate our young people for a better tomorrow.

"Since the outbreak of the May Fourth Movement in the earlier 20th century, we have found ourselves in a time which has been marked by rapid social evolution and driven by scientific advancement. As we stand on the threshold of the next century, we see new opportunities and face unprecedented challenges.

"For Hong Kong, the well-defined principle of 'One Country, Two Systems' has given us much scope for development. The impact of the financial turmoil has enriched our experience in dealing with economic difficulties. With China's accession to the World Trade Organization being a distinct possibility, we need to rethink the role and position of Hong Kong in a wider context and to chart Hong Kong's development with a clear direction. Our goal is to turn Hong Kong into a premier international city of Asia. To this end, we must consolidate and reinforce the position of Hong Kong as an international centre of finance, transport, commerce and tourism. We should promote innovation and technology, emphasise information technology, support our film and television industry, and work towards developing Hong Kong into a centre of Chinese medicine. We must increase our investment in education and continue with our efforts to uphold the rule of law. More importantly, we shall move towards democracy in strict accordance with the Basic Law. We should enhance the ethical integrity of our community and promote the cultural synthesis of east and west. Our vision is to build up Hong Kong as a civilised, knowledge-based society which is rich both in material and cultural dimensions.

"Youth is the cherished asset of all young people . Like the rising sun, they have boundless vitality. The 20th century has been characterized by tremendous intellectual progress. Mankind's wildest dreams have now come true. Prehistoric fantasies have turned into realities. Of course, we are not able to foretell the global outlook of the next century, yet we know that if we do not equip ourselves now, we will lag behind. This is the key to progress and advancement as we enter a new era. I therefore, hope that the young people of Hong Kong will all study hard. In educating ourselves, we must remain zealous and continue in the quest for knowledge. We must always run ahead of the times , keep our door to science, open and build a brighter future with what we have learnt; we must establish a prosperous Hong Kong and contribute to nation building with our knowledge.

"At the same time, I fervently hope that the young people in Hong Kong will follow the example of the pioneers of the May Fourth Movement, espouse a lofty vision for Hong Kong and for the country, and devote themselves to the cause wholeheartedly. With such a vision, our young people will shape their lives with confidence, and continue to explore, create and respond to the changes around them. They will approach their civic duty with a sensible and pragmatic attitude while cooperating with others in unity and fraternity, and strive together for the continued prosperity and progress of society. Then, in the twilight years of their lives, they can proudly recount their stories to their children and grandchildren. The best and most valuable of Chinese culture has been passed in this manner from generation to generation.

"Young people represents the future. As the Youth Day is approaching, on behalf of the SAR Government, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to all the young people in Hong Kong."

End/Friday, April 30, 1999

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Photo:The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, recording a message on the 80th anniversary of the May Fourth Movement for RTHK's Talkabout programme.