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F. Developing Democracy and Enhancing Governance
Implementation of Universal Suffrage
99. Finally, I would like to deal with two issues of general concern - constitutional development and governance. Promoting democracy is a constitutional responsibility vested in the Chief Executive of the HKSAR under the Basic Law. It is my responsibility to take Hong Kong towards universal suffrage.
100. During my election campaign, I have undertaken to launch a public consultation exercise on the implementation of universal suffrage after the inauguration of the new HKSAR Government. I have made good on my electoral promise: the Third Term HKSAR Government published the Green Paper on Constitutional Development 11 days after its inauguration. This is the first time that wide-ranging discussion on the models, roadmap and timetable for implementing universal suffrage for electing the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council has been initiated within the community.
101. The three-month public consultation period ends today. During the consultation period, the Government received thousands of submissions and proposals on the issues from different sectors and strata of the community. These views have expressed thoroughly the community's pluralistic aspirations on democratic development. I am particularly moved and encouraged by the fact that the entire consultation has been conducted in a rational and pragmatic manner. Hong Kong people treasure democracy and hope to implement universal suffrage as soon as possible. However, they are well aware that implementing universal suffrage is a complicated social exercise. When and how to implement universal suffrage will have far reaching implications on Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity. We must seriously consider and thoroughly study the issues rationally and pragmatically. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those organisations and individuals who put forward their views. I would also like to thank those who did not submit views but have shown their concern and support for the consultation exercise. Our next step is to collate and summarise the views received. On this basis, we will submit a report to the Central Authorities, reflecting faithfully the community's views on democratic development. Let me reiterate that I will try my utmost to forge a consensus on the implementation of universal suffrage in accordance with the Basic Law within the Third Term of the HKSAR Government. I will also strive to secure the Central Authorities' trust and understanding for its early implementation.
Pursuing Excellence in Governance
102. In the course of democratic reform, we should not ignore the issue of governance. As the quality of governance has a direct bearing on people's daily lives, the efficiency and effectiveness of our governance must not be compromised by constitutional development.
Professional Political Talents
103. Since the introduction of the Accountability System for Principal Officials in 2002, all posts of Secretaries and Directors of Bureaux have been held by politically appointed officials. To further develop the Accountability System, the HKSAR Government published in July 2006 a consultation document on the creation of two new tiers of politically appointed positions, namely Deputy Directors of Bureau and Assistants to Directors of Bureau. I hope that these positions can be created as soon as possible to provide the team of Principal Officials with stronger support in carrying out political work, and in leading an outstanding, permanent and politically neutral civil service. I believe that the additional political appointments offer excellent opportunities to professional political talents to gain public administration experience. This is conducive to the grooming of political leaders for the Government.
District Administration
104. To improve the work at the district level and further the development of district administration, the Government will enhance the roles of the District Councils (DCs) and the District Officers (DOs). In light of the experience gained from the pilot scheme launched early this year in four selected districts, we have decided to fully implement the recommendations for enhancing the functions of all 18 DCs with effect from January 2008 when the next DC term begins. The DCs will be involved in the management of designated district facilities. The annual funding for the DCs to conduct community involvement activities will be increased to $300 million, and a dedicated block vote for district minor works proposed by the DCs will be increased to $300 million per year.
105. In May next year, I will chair the first Summit on District Administration Scheme, which seeks to strengthen the communication between high-ranking government officials and the DCs. It also serves as a platform for exchanging views on the strategies for the future development of district administration.
106. The Government will provide the DOs with more resources to support their efforts in promoting district administration. As always, the DOs will actively co-ordinate the work of government departments and promptly address issues concerning people's livelihood within their districts. They will also foster closer communication with local organisations and promote cross-sector co-operation, so that our policies will be implemented more effectively at the grassroots level and people's livelihood further improved.
Rural Affairs
107. A new round of rural elections, which include village representative elections, Rural Committee elections and Heung Yee Kuk (HYK) election, was concluded in the first half of the year. We will continue to enhance our communication and co-operation with representatives of public opinion in the rural areas and set up a working group with the HYK to conduct a comprehensive review on the arrangements of rural elections as a whole. We will consider the HYK's proposal to provide an allowance for village representatives.
Relationship between the Executive Authorities and the Legislature
108. A good relationship between the Executive Authorities and the Legislature is conducive to smooth governance, high efficiency in policy implementation and a harmonious society. In the next five years, to take forward the major reforms and projects I have proposed, we need strong support from all Honourable Members. The HKSAR Government is determined to work closely with this Council. We will seek Members' views as early as practicable when formulating important government policies. Following the further expansion of the Accountability System, all Directors and Deputy Directors of Bureaux will attend the Panel meetings of this Council to explain government policies and answer questions raised by the Members. I am convinced that as long as both the Executive Authorities and the Legislative Council take into account public opinion in performing their functions, they will establish a harmonious and constructive relationship.
Reaching out to the Community
109. To strengthen interaction between the Government and the community, I have asked the politically appointed officials of the Third Term Government to proactively reach out to the community, listen to public views and work with the stakeholders. In this connection, we will make better use of the available channels, including various advisory bodies such as the Commission on Strategic Development. Reaching out to the community is a two-way communication process. Members of the community also need to organise themselves, and express their views in a pragmatic and responsible manner, so that a consensus can be reached.
(To be continued)
Ends/Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:39
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