Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang says the Government will be very prepared to accept public criticism, review adequacies and redouble efforts on dealing with the economy, livelihood and governance.

He said it will strengthen communication with different sectors of the community and endeavour to create a harmonious environment and enhance the cohesiveness of the community.

Mr Tsang told legislators today the Government has been monitoring public opinion through a wide range of channels, and it notes people still have grievances and dissatisfaction on issues such as the National People's Congress Standing Committee's decision on selecting the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council, and the Government's progress on improving governance.

Universal suffrage the ultimate goal

He said the Basic Law has stipulated that universal suffrage is the ultimate aim, and the Constitutional Development Task Force will continue liaison with the public.

"Our community has now entered into the phase of substantive discussion on constitutional development. The Task Force will continue to encourage different sectors of the community to put forth their views," Mr Tsang said.

"We hope by enhancing the understanding of various parties who hold different views, through rational and constructive discussion, we will establish consensus on the methods for selecting the Chief Executive in 2007 and for forming LegCo in 2008."

A series of cross-sectoral focus discussions will be organised in the coming weeks to garner views on the issue.

Mr Tsang said speech freedom is an inalienable part of Hong Kong's lifestyle and core values, and a right protected under the Basic Law.

"The Government will strive to defend and safeguard the right of Hong Kong people to express themselves freely. At the operational level, the Police is conducting thorough investigations to establish whether any criminal element is involved in the case of some radio programme hosts going off air, and graffiti and damage to a legislative councillor's office. The Police will pursue these cases proactively."

Central Gov't supports HK's safeguard of freedoms

Mr Tsang said the Central Authorities have stated clearly that it is its staunch and fundamental policy to safeguard the One Country, Two Systems principle, Hong Kong people running Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy.

The Central Government will not do anything to undermine the One Country, Two Systems principle and Hong Kong's interests.

It also supports the Government in action to safeguard speech and press freedoms in accordance with the law.