USCMA speaks to the media

The Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Adeline Wong, attended Radio Television Hong Kong's "City Forum" programme today (October 31). Following is the transcript (English portion) of the remarks by Miss Wong at a media session after the programme:

Reporter: Why is it not possible to spilt the new five seats into five districts?

Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: Our proposal now is to return the five new functional constituency seats through one single constituency using the proportional representation system. The reason is that through such a system, different political parties and also independent candidates can participate in the election, so that there can be broadened and balanced participation in the election.

Reporter: Why is it not possible to spilt it into five districts?

Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: The main consideration is to allow opportunities for different political parties and also independent candidates to take part.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)

Ends/Sunday, October 31, 2010