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In response to media enquiries about certain guidelines in policy formulation by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, a spokesman for the Government made the following response today (May 10):
"In formulating policies, it is the Government's standard practice to take into consideration all relevant factors to ensure that the policies, when implemented, are in accordance with constitutional and legal principles, reasonable and rational; strike a balance among the views from different sectors; are in line with the latest developments of the society; and in the interest of the Hong Kong community and long-term development.
"Since the Reunification, under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, economic co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong has become increasingly closer while exchanges at the community level have also become more frequent. With the aim of achieving mutually beneficial results and win-win outcomes when policies are implemented, it is a responsible practice for the HKSAR Government to assess the possible reaction of the Mainland community during the policy formulation stage.
"We stress that various bureaux and departments of the HKSAR Government would adhere strictly to the Basic Law and the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle when conducting these internal assessments."
Ends/Friday, May 10, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:35
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