HONG KONG, June 25: There are clear indications that the British colonial administration is manoeuvring for a rash of confrontationist politics in the wake of its departure. In a move that has attracted sarcastic comments even from Britons here, Governor Chris Patten is rushing legislation through his lameduck Legislative Council (Legco) in open defiance of Chinese warnings.

Although Legco will be abolished in another six days, it is dealing with some 50 bills, prompting a local commentator to tell the members: ``We hate to break this to you, but there's a handover coming.''

One controversial bill that was passed into law last night banned advertising tobacco including cigarette brands appearing as sponsors to sporting events. This may win some praise for its political correctness.

Similar may be the case of another item on the agenda - the Dogs & Cats (Amendment) Bill which seeks to make the muzzling of vicious pets mandatory.

But a law on treason? That is what Legco passed last night provoking China and paving the way for potential trouble in the days ahead.

Patten's bill lays down what will constitute treason and what will not.This is in direct violation of Hongkong's so-called Basic Law, the post-handover constitution promulgated in 1990 and recognised by Britain.

Article 23 stipulates that ``the Special Administrative Region (SAR) shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion or theft of state secrets...''

Despite that unambiguous provision making the SAR Government the proper authority to legislate on treason, Patten introduced his treason bill last December. He said he was doing so unilaterally because the Chinese had ``refused to enter into a dialogue.''

China cautioned then that ``the British side... have to bear the consequences.'' When the bill pertaining to treason was passed last night, China lost no time in reacting. Saying that steps will be taken to ``rectify the situation,'' one official of the Chief Executive-designate's staff went so far as to warn that changes in the law at this stage could adversely affect the smooth transition.

Spokesman of a political group, that generally supports Patten, felt constrained to say that his administration was engaging in ``political trickery'' in rushing through the bill. Said a New Zealander, a long resident here: ``Patten is doing his final little dances. He is out to make the incoming people look bad.''

Some of the Governor's supporters have already announced plans for demonstrations, including forcible occupation of Legco premises, on Monday night. The Governor gives them daily inspiration with statements that needle China and exhort the locals to stand up for their rights.

He keeps declaring that Hong kong is going to be the only instance of decolonisation where, after the transfer of power, there will be less democracy instead of more. He has also succeeded in making the civil service apprehensive about its new masters.

On the night of June 30, the new SAR Government will face a situation that could conceivably turn rough. If it ignores the protestors, the demonstrations could go wild. If it suppresses them, it will play into the hands of its critics. Either way Chris Patten will win as he sails away in the luxury-yacht Britannia,from the Victoria Harbour sipping champagne.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.