Press Releases

     Following is the transcript of the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Mr Stephen Lam's response to a question from a reporter after attending a meeting of the Sham Shui Po District Council this morning (May 31):

Reporter: Will you consider splitting the (electoral reform) package into two when voting because the Chief Executive election method seems to be less controversial?

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: We have always stated that our intention is to secure the passage of both models for the electoral reforms in 2012. We hope that the Legislative Council will be able to support the proposed reforms for 2012 in respect of the election of the Chief Executive and the formation of the Legislative Council. We haven't yet decided as to when we will put forth the motions to the legislature for consideration. As and when we make this decision, we will give a public account of our decision.

     In the course of the last week or so, the Central People's Government's Liaison Office was authorised to liaise with various democratic parties and groups. All the views expressed have been reported to Beijing. If and when there is progress, we will of course make this progress, and any amendment to our proposed way forward, public. But as of now, I have to emphasise that there is really practically no scope for us to make amendments to the proposed amendments to Annexes I and II of the Basic Law. We have proposed that the Election Committee shall be comprised of 1,200 members for 2012, and that the legislature shall be comprised of 70 Members for 2012. At the level of local legislation, it will be possible for us to make further amendments and we will consider this very carefully. If there is any progress, we will give a public account of our position.

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

Ends/Monday, May 31, 2010

SCMA attends Sham Shui Po District Council special meeting (1)

The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, attended the Sham Shui Po District Council special meeting this (May 31) morning to discuss the "Package of Proposals for the Methods for Selecting the Chief Executive and for Forming the Legislative Council in 2012". Photo shows Mr Lam at the meeting.

SCMA attends Sham Shui Po District Council special meeting (2)

Mr Lam speaks at the Sham Shui Po District Council special meeting.