Hong Kong Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam said Monday that the HK Special Administrative Region government will conduct the review of constitutional development beyond 2007 according to the Basic Law.
In a meeting with the press he said the government will leave enough time for wide public consultation and for it's handling of local legislation.
He said the government will concentrate on internal research this year, adding it is more likely for public consultation to take place either in 2004 or 2005.
Lam said the government needs to research into the relevant provisions of the Basic Law regarding any proposed changes in electoral arrangements beyond 2007. The government will study the provisions very carefully before putting together a final package for consideration.
He said it has not yet come to a view as to the precise timing for public consultation on constitutional developments.
He said Hong Kong is an open society and views from various walks of life could be collected. His department will continue to have regular reflection of public opinions and will take these reflections of public opinions into account in the course of the research.
(Xinhua News Agency Aprio 8, 2003)
