Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the Government has decided not to legislate under Basic Law Article 23 during his term of office.
In his 2010-11 Policy Address today Mr Tsang reiterated it is both the Government's constitutional duty and the community's collective responsibility to enact Basic Law Article 23 legislation.
However, most believe the current-term government should focus on economic development, improving people's livelihood and maintaining social prosperity, stability and development. He said he believed the community will eventually reach a consensus and enact the article.
The Government will table proposals for the two electoral methods later this month and consult the Legislative Council, hoping the bills will be passed in the coming months.
He called on the community to adopt a rational, pragmatic and accommodating attitude to promoting Hong Kong's constitutional development and work for universal suffrage for the Chief Executive in 2017 and the Legislative Council in 2020.
As public opinion is important in a political system with universal suffrage, Mr Tsang said the Government will make greater use of new media to enhance community interaction and engage it in rational discussion of community affairs.
