The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (May 19) explained the proposals on improving governance at the district level to representatives of Heung Yee Kuk New Territories (Heung Yee Kuk) and associations of Chinese fellow townsmen and had in-depth discussions and exchanges with them.
 
     Mr Tsang and Miss Mak stressed at the two briefing sessions today that the proposals on improving governance at the district level are guided by three principles: national security must be put as the topmost priority and the "one country, two systems" principle must be fully and faithfully implemented; the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" must be fully implemented; and "executive-led" governance must be manifested.

     The two Directors of Bureaux said that Heung Yee Kuk and associations of Chinese fellow townsmen have always been important partners of the Government. They act as a bridge of communication between the Government and the community. The 27 chairmen of the Rural Committees will still be ex-officio members of the District Councils (DCs) after the proposed reformation. The ratio of appointed members, members returned by the District Committees Constituency election and members returned by the District Council Geographical Constituency election in the DCs will be about 4:4:2. There will be multiple methods for the selection of DC members, so that persons who are patriotic and have an affection for Hong Kong and are dedicated to district services can participate in the work of DCs through multiple channels. Gauging opinions from various channels can enable the Government to look at problems through different lenses and facilitate the formulation of appropriate policies.

     The two Directors of Bureaux had a positive exchange of views with representatives of Heung Yee Kuk and associations of Chinese fellow townsmen and encouraged them to proactively brief residents of the New Territories and fellow townsmen so as to deepen public understanding of the proposals. In order to enhance public understanding of the proposals, Mr Tsang and Miss Mak will continue to introduce and promote the proposals in a multipronged manner to seek support from different sectors. They said they hope that the community will open up a new horizon after the reformed DCs assume office from January 1 next year.

Ends/Friday, May 19, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:06

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