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Donald Tsang urges support for HK democracy
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-11-13 15:08
Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said Saturday that he hoped councilors
could put aside prejudice and make the most favorable decision on democracy in
accordance with the Basic Law and the decision made by the Standing Committee of
the National People's Congress.
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| Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) hands new Hong Kong Chief
Executive Donald Tsang his letter of appointment during a
swearing-in ceremony in Beijing's Great Hall of the People June 24,
2005. [Reuters] | | "As
for Hong Kong's democratic progress, I think nothing could be more unfortunate
to remain in the original place without progress," Tsang said at a Hong Kong's
local radio program.
"I hope every councilor could consider carefully if his decision is a help or
more of a hindrance to Hong Kong's democracy," he added.
Tsang said the proposal by the government has done its best to include the
elements of geographical constituencies in the methods for selecting the Chief
Executive in 2007 and for forming the Legislative Council in 2008.
On the method for selecting the Chief Executive in 2007, the Task Force
suggested to increase the number of members of the Election Committee from the
present 800 to 1,600, representing a big step toward universal suffrage, Tsang
said.
On the method for forming LegCo in 2008, the Task Force suggested that the
number of LegCo seats will be increased from 60 to 70, representing a broader
electorate, he said.
Half of the newly added members of the Election Committee and all the newly
added LegCo seats would basically be directly or indirectly elected by over 3
million voters in Hong Kong through geographical constituencies, which means a
greater participation of Hong Kong citizens, Tsang added.
While talking about the roadmap and timetable for the universal suffrage,
Tsang said it is of great importance to the future of the society, so it should
be discussed thoroughly.
He reiterated that the Hong Kong government has sincerity in pushing forward
the democratic development.
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