Strong leader: Chief Executive Donald Tsang receives the Asia Society Leadership Award in Washington DC.

Hong Kong cannot act unilaterally in pursuing universal suffrage as early as possible, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says.

Speaking in Washington DC Thursday, Mr Tsang said although he personally shares the same goal of a swift introduction of universal suffrage, he cautioned "the development of our political system is not up to me alone".

Mr Tsang, addressing more than 300 guests after accepting the Asia Society Leadership Award at its annual dinner, said he will do his best to make Hong Kong's system as representative as possible, adding he must operate within legal and political parameters.

"In accordance with our Basic Law, our sovereign government defined last year the scope of the changes allowed for the next election of the Chief Executive in 2007 and the next election of our Legislative Council in 2008," he said.

National issue 

Mr Tsang said while the central authorities laid down the ground rules for what is possible and what is not, they provided enough room for advancement towards universal suffrage in the next set of elections.

"Their decision is legally and constitutionally binding. It is only natural that our sovereign would take a close interest in our political development. Hong Kong cannot act unilaterally in this regard, although some people naively believe we can and should. They have forgotten that Hong Kong is a part of China. Our political development is as much a national issue as it is an issue for Hong Kong."

Mr Tsang said he has faith that legislators will make the right decision and pass the package of proposals unveiled by the Government last week, which he says have public support.