The Chief Executive today reminded lawmakers that building mutual trust between Hong Kong and the Mainland is critical for political development to move forward.

Speaking in a special question-and-answer session in the Legislative Council, Tung Chee Hwa stressed that a recent National People's Congress Standing Committee decision - that will allow changes in the way the Chief Executive is elected and the way that LegCo is formed, while denying universal suffrage in 2007 and 2008 - was made with Hong Kong's long-term interests in mind.

He recalled Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Wu Bangguo's speech following the April 26 decision, in which he said the decision was made having heard the views of different parties, to safeguard the interests of Hong Kong people and to safeguard the provisions of the Basic Law.

The Hong Kong Government welcomes the NPCSC's decision, Mr Tung added.

"The process of change for Hong Kong's political development has been initiated," he said. "Some of you may not be too happy with the present state of affairs but I hope you understand that discussions are required and a consensus must be built up."

Rational, pragmatic approach necessary

As the Government proceeds to the next stage of the political reform exercise, we must adopt a rational and pragmatic approach, he stressed.

"We have to accept and respect the policy of 'One Country, Two Systems', and we have to understand the limits imposed by the Central Authorities on our powers. We are given freedoms and powers but there are also limits and restrictions. We have to understand both. This will help to build mutual trust, and I hope communications between the two sides can be stepped up."

Mr Tung said the role played by the Mainland is critical, "so we must build a very good and very harmonious relationship with the Mainland and it should be based on mutual trust. There is a lot of work to be done to build such a relationship."

To start, he suggested that Hong Kong should "proactively and warmly show our concern for our compatriots in the Mainland and for the development in the Mainland."

He added: "I know you're disappointed and I know others are disappointed. But we must understand better the views of the Mainland authorities."

CE's 3-pronged mission successfully underway

He reminded legislators that at his second-term inauguration ceremony, he outlined a three-pronged mission: to promote economic development in HK, to improve governance, and to take forward political development.

"Since the third quarter of last year, the economy has started to recover and we're gaining momentum, expecting 6% growth this year," Mr Tung said. "We've received staunch support from the Central People's Government which launched measures to stimulate our economy."

Those measures include the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and the focus on developing the Greater Pearl River Delta region.

He sees a global trend to strive for regional economic cooperation, and noted that the Pearl River Delta's development is a major project that will have long-term implications on Hong Kong's own development.

Guangdong Province and the Central Authorities attach great importance to the matter, he said, adding that we should make sure the Hong Kong community can play its part as soon as possible.

Focus should shift to improving the economy

He referred to an upcoming consultation exercise that would allow the public to take part in the process and build a consensus.

"We have been focusing our attention on political development and as a result other things have been delayed. We should focus on the economy, finding new opportunities for growth," he said.

In reply to a lawmaker's query about the concern the Chief Executive had shown on Labour Day for workers who toil for long hours and low pay, Mr Tung said that guidelines were issued to relevant government departments. Contractors of outsourced work must accept one condition, that they satisfy the median wage.

Euthanasia a 'controversial issue', worthy topic for discussion

When asked about a recent call for legalised euthanasia from quadriplegic 'Ah Bun', Mr Tung expressed his sympathy for the man.

"I have personal views, this is a controversial issue. I can only say that the relevant departments are doing their work but there is always room for improvement. Of course, we must do more for these people," he said.

"It's a worthy topic for discussion. We should look at how we can further help people like Ah Bun to help him regain confidence in life."

Another legislator asked whether the Government could pursue having a Hong Kong person recruited to China's space-training programme.

"This is definitely a good thing, right? This is definitely a good thing," Mr Tung said with a broad smile. "You have made a good suggestion and I agree with it. Let's work hard together to achieve this goal."