Hong Kong's core values including an accountable, professional and transparent public administration system, the rule of law, freedoms and liberties and an independent judiciary, which upholds rights and freedoms, will be maintained, the Constitutional Affairs Bureau says.

These core values, established with the collaborative efforts of the Government and the community over many years, provide a firm foundation for promoting Hong Kong's future development.

The bureau said that in pursuing constitutional development towards the ultimate aim of universal suffrage, Hong Kong should ensure that the integrity of these institutions and core values was maintained.

Responding to the "Letter to Hong Kong" by legislator Kwok Ka-ki broadcast on RTHK Radio 3 today, the bureau said the Government would continue to promote constitutional development in accordance with the Basic Law and the decision made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) on April 26.

The Government has already started public consultation with regard to the methods of selecting the Chief Executive in 2007 and formation of the Legislative Council in 2008.

Fourth report to be published before year-end 

Since its establishment in January 2004, the Constitutional Development Task Force has issued three reports. Its Third Report, published in May, outlined nine areas for the public to consider how the two electoral methods could be opened up further.

Before the end of this year, the task force will publish its Fourth Report based on the public views collected, which will promote further discussion in the community.

The task force hopes that by mid-2005 a consensus will emerge from the community, and it can then release the Fifth Report to set out a mainstream proposal for further public discussion.

The bureau hopes that, once consensus has been reached, it can proceed with the amendment of Annexes I and II of the Basic Law and thereafter deal with local legislation.

In accordance with the Basic Law, the Government is accountable to the Legislative Council. By constitutional design, the executive and legislative authorities operate on the principle of checks and balances. Any government Bill or budgetary proposal will require the Legislative Council's approval before implementation.

Voting procedures ensure "balanced participation"

On the procedures for voting on Bills and motions in the Legislative Council, Annex II of the Basic Law provides that the passage of Bills and motions introduced by individual members requires a simple majority vote of each of the groups of members returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections and by functional constituencies.

This ensures that such motions or Bills can be promoted only after obtaining the support of different sectors of the community as represented by the members. It also puts into practice the principle of "balanced participation".