|
CS speaks on extension of consultation period for the 3rd Report
***************************************************************************
Following is the remarks and transcript (English portion) by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, on the extension of the consultation period for the Third Report of the Constitutional Development Task Force today (September 28) at the west wing lobby, Central Government Offices:
Chief Secretary: On August 11, the Task Force announced that the consultation period for its Third Report should be extended to September 30.
Recently, some members-elect of the Legislative Council have proposed that they should have more time to consider the Report. They have asked that the consultation period should be extended to the end of October.
We have very carefully considered this recommendation and also have examined how such an extension may affect the work programme of the Task Force. Particularly how it might impact on our proposal to change the election methods for 2007 and 2008. We have concluded that a further two-week extension is most suitable, that is, October 15. This will in effect have given all
members-elect, all Legislative Councillors more than a month to formulate their recommendations to us and this will also not disrupt the work too much of the Task Force.
So I would urge all members of the Legislative Council, political parties and different sectors of the community to make good use of this total more than five-month consultation period to express their views on the election methods.
It remains our plan to issue the Fourth Report of the Task Force this autumn. The whole exercise will continue to be transparent. We will consult the community and continue to consult the Legislative Council, our ultimate aim is to arrive at electoral arrangements that will be feasible and acceptable to the Hong Kong community at large. Thank you very much.
Reporter: Mr Tsang, did you inform the Mainland government on the postponing of the Third Report?
Chief Secretary: The conduct of the consultation exercise is a responsibility of the SAR Government. The decision to extend the consultation period is taken by the Task Force and accepted by the SAR Government. We have of course, during the process of formulating our views, consult the Central Government as necessary but the decision is entirely ours.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks and transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, September 28, 2004
|
| 
