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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, at a media session on constitutional development at Central Government Offices this afternoon (June 7):
Reporter: Is the government irrevocably tied to the June 23 date, or if it would improve the chances of successful passage, would the government be willing to extend the vote after that date?
Chief Secretary for Administration: We have notified LegCo that we wish to move the motion on June 23. We believe the community have had plenty of time to discuss our proposed package. Therefore, our intention is to move on June 23 because we believe the community have had plenty of time to discuss.
Reporter: The pan-democrats say they will veto the proposal. So is there any room for compromise right now before the motion is getting voted at LegCo and what would be the government's next step if it is vetoed?
Chief Secretary for Administration: We will continue to lobby every single member of LegCo and try our very best to secure the necessary two thirds. We will also continue our campaign to show the people of Hong Kong the content of our proposal, why it is so important for the whole community to move forward in terms of constitutional reform development. We believe it is high time that we stop arguing and then we all move forward together towards the common goal of democracy and universal suffrage.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, June 7, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:48
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