Rational discussion on Hong Kong's constitutional development will not only raise our understanding of the Basic Law, but can also work as a form of civic education.

This was the message from Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa at a seminar in commemoration of the 14th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law today.

Mr Tung said there has been a lot of enthusiastic discussion in Hong Kong recently about comments the Central Government has made through various channels, and he has been following it closely.

He said a recent Government poll shows that discussion over the past two months has had a positive influence on the community as a whole.

For example, he said, when asked if Hong Kong citizens, as Chinese, should assume some duties and responsibilities for the country, over 78% of respondents said "yes".  Only 4% said "no".

Another question was whether more patriotic education should be introduced in Hong Kong. Over 66% agreed, compared with 16% who disagreed.

Issues of principle raised

Mr Tung said since the Central Government first expressed serious concerns about constitutional review, it has raised through various channels a number of issues of principle.

They are the requirements in regard to our constitutional development enshrined in the Basic Law, he said.

These principles include: One Country, Two Systems; Hong Kong people running Hong Kong; a high degree of autonomy; executive-led principle; balanced participation; gradual and orderly progress; and, the actual situation of constitutional development.

"These principles are very important. They set out the premises, prerequisites and fundamentals of our constitutional development," Mr Tung said. "Only by consolidating these principles can our political structure progress in the right direction."