The pan-democratic legislators' suggestion of amending the Basic Law to stipulate the tenure of a by-elected Chief Executive is unsubstantiated as the original legislative intent of the Basic Law for the new Chief Executive to serve the remainder of the term is now clear, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam says.

This was the message given by Mr Lam after he attended a student flag-raising ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law today.

Mr Lam said it is also not appropriate for the administration to wait until March next year when the next National People's Congress meets to deal with this particular issue as the election of the new Chief Executive has to take place on July 10.

Referring to suggestions by other legislators to seek an interpretation of the Basic Law from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress as they are concerned the possibility of judicial review may stifle the smooth election of a new Chief Executive on July 10, Mr Lam said the Government will consider carefully all views and deal with the matter in a comprehensive manner which fits the situation.

He reiterated the Government must ensure the new Chief Executive is elected on time and within the parameters of the law.