Press Briefings & Releases
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Transcript of press conference on Constitutional Development Task Force's third report Following is the transcript (English portion) of the Question and Answer session of a press conference given by the Constitutional Development Task Force, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, on the Third Report of the Constitutional Development Task Force today (May 11): Reporter: Whatever the outer boundaries may be for expanding these various constituencies and the number of voters in them, do you think that at the end of the day that this is going to satisfy the popular desire for full democracy in Hong Kong. And if not, what would be the implications of that for governance? CS: We have analyzed this subject quite thoroughly in our Second Report. And there is, quite clearly, a consensus in the community. And that consensus is - we should change the electoral arrangement for the Chief Executive elections and for the legislature in 2007/08. That is exactly what we are trying to do now. And if we proceed with this methodically, fairly, transparently, I think we will meet the aspirations of many people in Hong Kong. As regards universal suffrage, that is a matter on which the community has quite divergent views. And I am sure, people will eventually agree - if we are able to reach a consensus on changing the present arrangements in 2007/08 moving towards universal suffrage. Quite significantly, I am quite sure the people will see that we are moving in the right direction. And the community at the end of the day will be content. Reporter: If I can follow that up, Sir, is there any limit, in your mind, on how large any constituency could be redesigned - whether it's in the Legislative Council or the Election Committee? CS: Well, I have an open mind at the moment. But what we have to do is to work within the Basic Law parameters and what has been decided by the NPC Standing Committee on the April 26. But I am sure that anything which falls within those parameters would be able to gain the support of the Central Government. I am also quite doubtful that any proposal which goes beyond those parameters would likely to gain consensus even in Hong Kong. So I believe that we are a very sensible people, and we would be able to reach consensus which would satisfy the parameters set and able to demonstrate that we are moving towards universal suffrage. Reporter: Mr Tsang, how can you work towards restoring faith in the people of Hong Kong that you actually do represent their views? CS: Well, as you know, the methodology adopted by the Task Force so far - we try to do everything in a totally transparent fashion. We hold ourselves accountable for whatever we do and whatever we say. So for that reason, I am sure the general public understands what we are doing. And we would try our very best in the coming months to secure consensus within the community for a better arrangement in our elections of a Chief Executive and elections of a legislature within the parameters set by the NPC Standing Committee. Reporter :What if the majority of views that you received actually falls outside the parameters? CS: Well, I do believe that Hong Kong people are pragmatic, sensible people. As I said in my opening statement, it would not be very fruitful to advocate views which fall outside the decisions of the NPC Standing Committee. That would lead us nowhere. And I am quite sure people in general would not wish to advocate a proposal which would lead us nowhere. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion.)
Ends/Tuesday, May 11, 2004 |