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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (November 15) reiterated the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's position on a motion moved by some Legislative Council Members on a referendum on constitutional development.

He said, "The motion on a referendum, raised by some Legislative Council Members, has caused serious concern in the community and among various parties. The Basic Law has laid down clear provisions regarding constitutional development in Hong Kong and how the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and forming the Legislative Council may be changed. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) made a decision on April 26 this year on the methods for the elections in 2007 and 2008. The NPCSC made this decision strictly in accordance with legal procedures after consulting various sectors in Hong Kong. It had assessed prudently the actual situation in Hong Kong and had fully taken into account the interests of various sectors."

"The NPCSC is the highest organ of state power. The HKSAR must abide by and implement this decision. This reflects the relationship and order between the Central authorities and the HKSAR under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. Members of the Legislative Council, who are part of the institutional establishment under this constitutional order, must respect and abide by this established relationship and order under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, aside from their personal views and opinions. On the electoral methods for 2007 and 2008, they must act in accordance with the Basic Law and the NPCSC's decision.

"The SAR Government is of the view that any suggested means to deal with the electoral methods in 2007 and 2008 which depart from the Basic Law and the NPCSC's decision, especially by way of a referendum as proposed in a motion by some Legislative Council members, is inappropriate, is inconsistent with the established legal procedures, is impractical and is misleading to the public. Proposing a referendum will seriously undermine the prevailing harmony in the community and will affect the cordial relationship between the Central authorities and the HKSAR. Moreover, it will not help promote the healthy development of democracy in Hong Kong. The SAR Government will not consider any suggestion on constitutional development that departs from the Basic Law and the NPCSC's decision in dealing with the electoral methods in 2007 and 2008. The SAR Government will also oppose any move, including a referendum, which departs from the Basic Law and the NPCSC's decision in dealing with the electoral methods in 2007 and 2008."

Ends/Monday, November 15, 2004

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