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Following is the transcript (English portion) of the media session by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, after the meeting of the Committee on Governance and Political Development of the Commission on Strategic Development at the Main Wing lobby, Central Government Offices, this afternoon (July 28):
Chief Executive: We have just discussed possible models for electing the Chief Executive by universal suffrage. I'm happy to say that the discussions today represent a pragmatic step forward in reaching that goal. In previous meetings we had discussed the principles underpinning universal suffrage in Hong Kong; today we talked about specific details. So, we have entered a new phase of work.
Committee members have reached a consensus on a major point - the election of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage should be preceded by the nomination of candidates by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures. This is in line with Article 45 of the Basic Law. Members agreed that we should now study the nomination arrangements in detail, in particular how the nominating committee should be formed, and the mechanism for nominating aspiring Chief Executives.
I hope that various parties and community sectors will participate actively in these discussions and put forward specific proposals in the months ahead.
As the Chief Executive, I am accountable to the people of Hong Kong and to the Central Government. On the pursuit of universal suffrage, I shall fully reflect to the Central Government the aspirations of Hong Kong people and specific proposals from various sectors of the community. I shall listen to the views from a wide cross-section of the community. It is, thus, inappropriate for the SAR Government to put forward a preferred option at this stage. What we want to do is to provide as much room as possible for various organisations and individuals to express their views before we draw any conclusions. If we take this approach, we shall stand a better chance of reaching a consensus on our model of universal suffrage.
The Basic Law states that any amendments to the method of electing the Chief Executive must be agreed by three parties, namely, the Legislative Council, the Chief Executive, and the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. However, we will stand little chance of improving our electoral system, and ultimately achieving universal suffrage, if everybody insists on his or her own views and refuses to hear others out. Only if we can pragmatically narrow differences and reach a consensus, will it be possible for us to achieve universal suffrage at an early date.
We aim to prepare a report and draw conclusions on the committee's discussions next year, thus continuing our advance towards universal suffrage. Much depends on the progress of our deliberations over the next few months. The concluding report will of course be made public, and I will submit it to the Central Government. This report will provide a foundation for pushing forward political development beyond 2007.
As they say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. I will resolutely push ahead with this important work we have started. For the people of Hong Kong, I will try my best to seek common ground and accommodate differences, and to work with everyone in the community, taking firm strides on the march towards universal suffrage.
Thank you very much.
Reporter: At the moment you will press ahead any proposal for universal suffrage......?
Chief Executive: I said we're going to push ahead as quickly as possible. We are at the stage of deliberating various matters of electing the Chief Executive and later for electing the Legislative Council under universal suffrage. I am sure once we have decided on a model, then a way of reaching that destination, and the speed of which of doing so will then easily emerge.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Friday, July 28, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:27
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