Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the timetable for Hong Kong's political reform requires the community's in-depth discussions and the goal of universal suffrage will not be shaken. He called on lawmakers to put aside differences and make a decision in the city's best interest.

In his Letter to Hong Kong radio broadcast today, Mr Tsang said a map and a timetable are necessary for constitutional development. As the issue will have great impact on the society's future, in-depth discussions within the community are required and any decision made should adhere to the Basic Law and National People's Congress Standing Committee's decisions.

Noting the proposals in the Constitutional Development Task Force's 5th Report will help expand district participation in the 2007 Chief Executive Election and 2008 Legislative Council Elections, Mr Tsang said the proposals are a substantive development towards universal suffrage.

He also said there is no polarisation between the Central Government's position and universal suffrage, which has been pledged in the constitution.

Mr Tsang said being rational is the best way to discuss Hong Kong's political reform with the Central Government, adding the society's democratic development cannot be moved forward if lawmakers do not accept the proposals.