Way forward: Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang says consensus-building is key to improving the political system.

Reaching consensus on the methods for selecting the Chief Executive in 2007 and for forming the Legislative Council in 2008 is the practical way to improve Hong Kong's political system.

This was the message from Chief Secretary Donald Tsang today.

Speaking at a LegCo meeting, Mr Tsang admitted there is a need to enhance the representativeness of these elections, and the Central Authorities have already indicated their support of the issue.

He believed the key to improving Hong Kong's political system is to work out a proposal on the city's constitutional reform which will be accepted by both the local community and the Mainland.

Commenting on yesterday's rally, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong people aired their aspirations in a calm, rational manner. There was no confrontation, and the rally demonstrated participants' enthusiasm for Hong Kong matters.

The Government heard their views on safeguarding freedom and democracy, and requests for improving governance, Mr Tsang continued, adding that the Central authorities are also aware of Hong Kong people's views.

He stressed the Basic Law has clearly stated universal suffrage is the ultimate goal, and the Government has been working to achieve this goal.