United front: The Executive Council's decision to defer the resumption of the second reading of the Basic Law Article 23 is in further response to the views and concerns expressed by the people, the Chief Executive says.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa met the media this afternoon, to again call on the community to work together to get Hong Kong's economy going again.

On Saturday, the Government had said that it would make substantial changes to three controversial areas of Article 23 of the Basic Law, Mr Tung said.

"Many citizens of Hong Kong felt that the Government had made very positive responses, but others have said that more time is needed to understand these new changes." 

He stressed today, however, that Hong Kong has a constitutional duty to enact legislation to safeguard national security. He expressed his hope that Hong Kong people would work together to see that the legislative process is completed.

"We believe that the community needs to have a calm atmosphere and we need to really stand united in front of all these challenges," he said.

"Very early this morning, the Executive Council decided to defer the resumption of second reading of the Basic Law 23, and this is really in further response to the views and concerns expressed by the people."

He added that he understood public dissatisfaction over Government policies, and would respond to their concerns in detail in the future.

"I want you to know, we are looking at areas of expressed concern very seriously and we are investigating the issues. At this moment, I think what is most important is really to get our economy going again, and we need to stand united to move forward together.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang said the Government has no timetable for resuming the second reading.

Speaking to the press after briefing consular officials on the amendments, Mr Tsang said he notes that some countires have expressed concern over the bill.

He said he addressed their worries and the response from consuls was positive.