November 23, 2013

National People's Congress Standing Committee Deputy Secretary-General and Basic Law Committee Chairman Li Fei left for Beijing this afternoon, concluding his three-day visit to Hong Kong.
 
Speaking to the media today, Mr Lei said the trip was fruitful, as he had exchanged views with Government officials and society. He added that the Central People's Government, Hong Kong Government, and Hong Kong people share a common aspiration, to implement successfully the Chief Executive's selection through universal suffrage.
 
Mr Li said through discussions with the Chief Executive, the task force on constitutional development and other officials, he believed the Hong Kong Government was firmly committed to implementing universal suffrage strictly in accordance with the Basic Law and relevant NPCSC interpretations and decisions.
 
The first step is to reach a consensus rationally through public consultation, he said.
 
Mr Li said Hong Kong people treasure their democratic right and had high expectations of universal suffrage. He said citizens respect the Basic Law and are willing to reach consensus via rational discussion, in a lawful way.
 
He reiterated that a prospective Chief Executive must love the country and Hong Kong, otherwise the individual would not be able to work with the Central Government in accordance with the Basic Law.
 
When asked about the ideal number of candidates for Chief Executive, Mr Li said it needs further discussion. The number of candidates can neither be too few to maintain competitiveness, nor too many to avoid high cost and difficulties in choosing the right candidate, he said.
 
At the invitation of Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, Mr Li and NPCSCs Legislative Affairs Commission Vice-Chairperson and Basic Law Committee Vice-Chairperson Zhang Rongshun visited Hong Kong from November 21 to exchange views with officials and the community on issues relating to the Basic Law and Hong Kong's political structure.