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 From Hong Kong's Information Services Department
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June 11, 2004
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Constitutional reform

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CS calls for a more accommodating society

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Constitutional Development Task Force
All ears: Constitutional Development Task Force members listen to views on Hong Kong's constitutional reform.

The community should be more harmonious and accommodating to come up with constructive ideas on Hong Kong's constitutional reform.

 

This was the message from the Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang, who said more focused discussions on the issue will be held soon.

 

Speaking at the second seminar on constitutional development today, Mr Tsang said constructive discussion will help make the electoral arrangement for the Chief Executive and the legislature more representative.

 

He said while Hong Kong people aspire for freedom of speech, they do not want to see confrontation. To take the issue forward, all sectors of the community should be more accommodating and have constructive discussions on the issue.

 

Mr Tsang pledged the Government will spare no effort in improving governance, and believed Hong Kong people can set aside differences and come up with a feasible proposal on constitutional reform.

 

Responding to enquiries on the Democratic Party's suggestion of toning down their stance in exchange for communication with Central Authorities, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam said all political parties should partake in the constitutional development issue.

 

The Basic Law has also stipulated that two-thirds majority support in the Legislative Council is required for any scheme to be taken forward, he added.