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CS speaks on constitutional development
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Following is the English remarks made by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, on constitutional development at a stand-up session this (October 19) afternoon at the West Wing lobby, Central Government Offices:
Chief Secretary: All of us, whether we are a legislator or a member of the administration, have to be practical on constitutional development issues. We cannot contravene the decision taken by the National People's Congress Standing Committee on April 26 this year.
We all know that changing the methods for selecting the Chief Executive in 2007 and for forming the Legislative Council in 2008 requires a consensus among three parties: two-thirds of LegCo, the Chief Executive, and the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
The proposal coming from some legislators to hold a referendum on the electoral arrangements for 2007 and 2008 is simply not practical. It is not in accordance with the procedures set out in the Basic Law with regard to reaching a consensus on constitutional development. It would amount to a waste of time and energy, and a needless distraction for the community.
The Government is very clear that it will not conduct a referendum on this matter.
At present, the Constitutional Development Task Force is studying the views of the public regarding various areas that can be considered for amendment for possible changes to the electoral methods for 2007 and 2008.
The public have given us very valuable and practical and also reasoned views. These views will form the basis of the Fourth Report of the Task Force, which will be released before the end of this year.
The Fourth Report will give a clear outline of these views, so that the public can discuss them in greater depth, and hopefully reach a consensus on a best way forward.
We hope that by mid-2005, that is the middle of next year, a consensus will emerge from the community. We shall then release the Fifth Report setting a mainstream proposal to facilitate further public discussion.
Once we have secured the consensus as required, we will proceed with the legislative work.
Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese remarks.)
Ends/Tuesday, October 19, 2004
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