Top priority: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa says maintaining a good relationship between legislative and executive bodies is important to Hong Kong.

Maintaining a good relation between legislative and executive bodies is an important issue, Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa says, adding that people should continue putting effort into this area even after the completion of the Legislative Council's second term.

In his final question-and-answer session with current legislators this afternoon, Mr Tung called the last four years the most trying period politically, economically and socially since the handover in 1997.

However, with the support of both Hong Kong people and the Central Government, the city's political stability has been maintained and the social atmosphere has improved.

When questioned about whether he will petition the Central Government to change its mind about not allowing universal suffrage here in 2007 and 2008, Mr Tung reiterated he does not have the authority to do so.

CE must execute NPCC's decision

According to the Basic Law Article 48, the Chief Executive is required to execute the National People's Congress Standing Committee's decision.

Noting that universal suffrage is the common goal of the community, Mr Tung said the remaining issue that most people argue about is the time element.

He called on people to actively participate in the Constitutional Development Task Force's consultation and reach a consensus that complies with the Basic Law and the Standing Committee's decision.

Such consensus is important in building a solid foundation to move towards the ultimate goal of universal suffrage, Mr Tung said.

Responding to a question on his choice of Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong's successor as the Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food, the Chief Executive said he has not made the final decision.

Noting the successor will have to face an important and difficult task, Mr Tung promised to consider the issue seriously and prudently.

He said it is not easy to find suitable people to take up the posts of Principal Officials, but he believes many people are still willing to contribute to society.

Progress seen in accountability system

On the progress of the accountability system, Mr Tung said improvement has been seen in a number of areas including team leadership, officials' cooperation and the understanding of the political situation. However, there is still room for improvement.

The Government will work hard to strengthen Principal Officials' political role and enhance the cooperation between them and the Civil Service.

Mr Tung admitted that the Government had not made satisfactory progress in inviting the middle class to participate in political work. He promised to speed up the work and will invite more middle-class members to join advisory bodies.

On education issue, Mr Tung noted that School-based Management will help improve Hong Kong's educational standard. Stressing school organising bodies have been doing a good job, he said those bodies cannot be replaced and the Government will continue enhancing its cooperation and communication with them.

Education reform heading in right direction

The Chief Executive said Hong Kong's education reform effort is headed in the right direction, and the Education & Manpower Bureau is planning to offer more support to principals and teachers.

He said the road to education reform is long, and he expected to see good results in two to three years.

Turning to the Individual Visit Scheme, Mr Tung said the Government will continue liaising with the Mainland to consider extending it.