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E. One Country, Two Systems
172. We are now in the 15th year of Hong Kong's reunification with the motherland. There have been ups and downs along the way. To move forward, we have to take stock of our experience in implementing "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy and the Basic Law in an objective and pragmatic manner. I would like to share my observations about the implementation of several fundamental principles and policies since reunification.
One Country, Two Systems
173. "One Country, Two Systems" is an innovative concept. In the early stage of implementation, a considerable number of people doubted its feasibility and the Central Government's determination to stand by it.
174. Progress made since reunification has gradually dispelled such doubts and worries. Hong Kong has developed closer ties with our country, and our people have a much stronger sense of national identity. We have successfully ensured the effective operation of our system while upholding and reinforcing our core social values, including the rights and duties that Hong Kong people cherish, such as freedom, the rule of law and human rights. I believe that all these achievements prove that "One Country, Two Systems" is not only feasible but has also been successfully implemented in Hong Kong.
Support from the Central Government
175. After reunification, Hong Kong faced a number of severe challenges. Thanks to measures introduced by the Central Government, Hong Kong has been able to move on steadily and contribute to our country by leveraging our unique strengths. The Central Government has not only ensured a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong as enshrined in the Basic Law, but also given us help and support in a timely and selfless manner. On behalf of Hong Kong, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude once again to the Central Government.
High Degree of Autonomy
176. The Basic Law confers upon the HKSAR extensive executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. As "One Country, Two Systems" is, after all, a new concept, it is inevitable that some issues will arise that require clarification in the early years of our exercise of a high degree of autonomy.
177. An example is the recent interpretation of the Basic Law by the NPCSC in relation to the Congo case heard by the Court of Final Appeal. As a common law jurisdiction, Hong Kong has a different legal system from the Mainland. The NPCSC's interpretation clarifies the application of the doctrine of state immunity in Hong Kong, stating that the determination as to rules or policies on state immunity is an act of state involving foreign affairs, and that the relevant laws previously in force in Hong Kong may continue to be applied only if they comply with the state rules. This clearly demonstrates that the gradual clarification and perfection of the boundary of autonomy in the course of implementation is a necessary and natural process.
F. Democratic Development
Constitutional Development
178. The current-term Government has made two significant breakthroughs in constitutional development. First, we achieved a timetable for universal suffrage. Second, we secured the passage of the 2012 constitutional reform package, which significantly enhances the democratic elements of the electoral arrangements.
179. These new developments prove that the "five-step mechanism" laid down by the NPCSC in 2004 is practicable. They also demonstrate the capability of the Government and this Council to reach a consensus on the constitutional development of Hong Kong. We can move forward through candid discussion and co-operation and by seeking common ground while accommodating differences. The door to universal suffrage is now open. The future Administration will need to continue to engage the public in discussions about the implementation of universal suffrage and devise options acceptable to all.
Political Groups and Talent
180. The hardware of a political system cannot function without the supporting software, of which political groups and political talent are both crucial elements.
181. Political groups play a pivotal role in society. They convey public opinions and their own stances on policies to the Government. They also monitor public governance through their members elected to the Legislative Council. With progress in our democratic development, political groups will play an even more important role.
182. The Government has and will continue to put in place a series of measures to nurture political talent in Hong Kong. These include:
(i) Further developing the Political Appointment System to absorb into the Government talented people from different backgrounds, including those with political affiliations, broadening the avenues of political participation for people from different sectors;
(ii) Increasing the number of elected seats in this Council and District Councils to open up more opportunities for people from different sectors to partake in politics; and
(iii) Increasing the rate of financial assistance for candidates running in District Council and Legislative Council elections.
Political Ethics
183. All politicians, whether members of the executive authorities or the legislature, should act in the overall public interest, even if they do not share the same view. In fact, our experience over the past few years shows that to promote social development, an accommodating political culture is essential. If political groups refuse to make the slightest compromise or even resort to fierce confrontational tactics, social progress will be stifled.
Political Appointment System
184. The Government introduced the Political Appointment System to enhance the accountability of Principal Officials for their respective policy portfolios, maintain a permanent and politically neutral civil service, and bring in suitable people to take up Principal Official positions to serve the community. Political appointments are common in democracies. In Hong Kong, however, the system has been in place for just under a decade. This is a new system, which brings about new challenges as well. Our Political Appointment System is evolving. We will continue to listen carefully to views both inside and outside the Government. We will also draw on our experience to fine-tune and perfect this system and ensure that it progresses with the times. This will help us prepare for universal suffrage.
The Civil Service
185. In response to rising community expectations, our civil servants will uphold their professionalism and deliver quality services in pursuit of excellence. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the civil service for their sustained efforts. Relocation of bureaux to the new Central Government Complex at Tamar is now underway. I believe our civil service will put into practice the new complex's design concepts of "connecting people" and "keeping the door open" and continue serving and contributing to the community in an accommodating manner by adhering to the principle of putting people first.
National Education
186. To strengthen students' sense of national identity and commitment to national development, we should help them gain a comprehensive understanding of our motherland from different perspectives through systematic study.
187. We consulted the public on the implementation of the Moral and National Education Curriculum this year. The education sector generally agrees with the philosophy and importance of introducing the curriculum, and has given valuable views on the mode and timetable of delivery, curriculum content and support measures. The Curriculum Development Council will submit revised proposals to the Government shortly for detailed consideration.
(To be continued)
Ends/Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Issued at HKT 12:48
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