HK to follow Basic Law in dealing with constitutional change
( 2004-01-02 02:05) (Xinhua)
The Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR) government will listen to the views of the public
and act according to the principles of the Basic Law in dealing with the issue
of constitutional development beyond 2007, said an official on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Hong Kong's Secretary for Constitutional Affairs
Stephen Lam said the HKSAR government will make full use of the next three years
in dealing with the issue of constitutional development beyond 2007.
"As a pluralistic society, Hong Kong has a variety of views on the pace of
constitutional development. We will listen closely to views from all sectors in
the process. We will also act according to the principles of the Basic Law in
dealing with this issue," said Lam.
"We will act according to the principle of gradual and orderly progress and
have regard to the actual situation in Hong Kong. It is our intention to work
closely with all parties concerned in the hope of building consensus on the way
forward," he added.
The Basic Law has set out a blueprint for Hong Kong's constitutional
development for the first 10 years after the establishment of the HKSAR.
"Beyond 2007, if we wish to change the system for electing the chief
executive, then we need to have two-thirds majority support in the Legislative
Council. We need to have
the consent of the chief executive and we need to have the approval of the
Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. If we need to change
arrangements for forming the Legislative Council, then we need to report any
proposed change and proposed amendment to the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress for the record," said Lam.
"Constitutional change is a most important aspect of how this community
develops. It is important that we have a wide discussion and it is important
that it is up to the legislature, which represents different constituencies and
represents the community, to reflect their views and to try to forge consensus
in that regard," said Lam.
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