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Following are the opening remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, at a media session at the Office of the Chief Executive at Tamar today (June 18):
Today, 28 LegCo members voted against the wishes of the majority of the Hong Kong people, and denied them their democratic right to elect the Chief Executive in the next election. Universal suffrage for the Chief Executive election has now been blocked. Universal suffrage to elect all members of LegCo has also become uncertain. I, the Government and millions of Hong Kong people are naturally disappointed.
For the past 20 months, the Hong Kong Government and the whole of Hong Kong have put in a great deal of time and effort trying to forge consensus to take forward the constitutional development of Hong Kong. I am grateful for the relentless efforts made by the three members of the task force, namely the Chief Secretary, the Secretary for Justice and the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, and all the civil servant colleagues.
It's time for the community to move on. In the coming two years, the Hong Kong Government will focus the efforts on the various economic development and livelihood issues. The civil service will continue to serve the public with devotion and professionalism. I sincerely hope that, from now on, the community can close the differences and work together for the common good of Hong Kong.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the opening remarks.)
Ends/Thursday, June 18, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:25
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