It would be entirely possible to deal with the review of constitutional development according to the Basic Law, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam told the Legislative Council Wednesday.
The Basic Law stipulated that the electoral methods of Hong Kong SAR's Chief Executive should be specified in the light of the actual situation and the principle of gradual and orderly progress, with the ultimate aim of electing the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures, he stressed.
Lam said that the plan for constitutional review in Hong Kong was to conduct internal research in 2003, consult the community in2004 or 2005, and deal with local legislation in 2006.
According to the Basic Law, if there is a need to amend the method for selecting the Chief Executives for the terms subsequent to the year 2007, such amendments must be made with the endorsement of a two-third majority of all the members of the Legislative Council and the consent of the Chief Executive, and they shall be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for approval.
He stressed that, before assuming office, the 60 legislators had sworn to uphold the Basic Law. He, therefore, believed that every member would subscribe to the ultimate aim of universal suffrage.
However, he noted, while endorsing this ultimate aim, different political parties, political groups and individual members might hold different views on the timeframe, speed and mode for moving towards universal suffrage.
Lam said that in dealing with the question of constitutional reforms, they should all endeavor to "maximize our common ground, and accommodate our mutual differences".
Lam said that the Constitutional Affairs Bureau would follow three principles in reviewing constitutional development.
"Firstly, we will adhere to the principles specified in the Basic Law," he noted.
"Secondly, we will set aside sufficient time for a wide public consultation exercise to be conducted," he said.
Thirdly, they will also reserve sufficient time to trigger the amendment mechanisms prescribed in the relevant Annex of the Basic Law, and deal with local legislation in connection with the review.
(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2003)
