Pragmatic approach: Chief Executive Donald Tsang urges people to push forward the city's constitutional development with a pragmatic attitude.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang urges people to push forward the city's constitutional development with a pragmatic attitude, adding his proposed democratic package will better suit Hong Kong's circumstances.

He called on people not to miss this opportunity, warning that if they mark time rather than stride ahead, Hong Kong will be further away from the goal of universal suffrage.

Making a televised statement tonight, Mr Tsang said the proposed package enables Hong Kong to take a big step forward by enhancing the democratic element of the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and Legislative Council.

Noting there are different views in Hong Kong about the pace of achieving universal suffrage, Mr Tsang said the proposed package has given due regard to the aspirations of different sectors of the community.

"The proposed package has not come easily. So tonight, I personally appeal to you all: do not let the hard work and efforts of the past two years be wasted. I really cannot see any other option that can better suit Hong Kong's current circumstances, and be acceptable to all interested parties."

Mr Tsang said the community faces a real danger of democratic development coming to a halt because some insist the Government propose a timetable for universal suffrage now, or they will not support the reform package.

"Various opinion polls indicate that most Hong Kong people support our proposals. More importantly, a majority of Hong Kong people feel that the electoral arrangements for 2007 and 2008 should be handled separately from the issue of a timetable for universal suffrage.

"This underlines the pragmatism of Hong Kong people, who believe that constitutional development should not be hamstrung by the debate over a timetable for universal suffrage. They think we should pass the constitutional development package first so that we can move towards universal suffrage from 2007 and 2008."

To achieve the ultimate goal of universal suffrage, the first step will be for the Legislative Council to pass our proposals, Mr Tsang said.

HK at a crossroads

"As for the next steps relating to a roadmap and timetable, I have pledged to discuss these matters in the Commission on Strategic Development and other channels as soon as possible. We cannot rush the matter; but we will not be playing for time either."

Mr Tsang said Hong Kong is at a crossroads in our democratic development. If LegCo passes the reform package, Hong Kong will take a big step towards our goal of universal suffrage.

With the success gained, there is a greater chance of reaching a consensus on how to achieve universal suffrage, he said.

"However, if the package were unfortunately voted down by LegCo, then constitutional development for 2007 and 2008 would come to a halt.

"If this happens, how can we realistically expect to reach a consensus on proposals for the CE and LegCo elections in 2012 and secure the necessary support from two-thirds of the legislators?"

Lawmakers' support urged

The Chief Executive said he will do his utmost to secure legislators' support for the package, adding he fully supports the move towards universal suffrage in accordance with the Basic Law.

"There is no practical difference between us. The only difference is whether or not a timetable for universal suffrage should be linked to the proposals for the 2007 and 2008 elections.

"I hope that all legislators will cast their votes sensibly, with full regard to the overall interests and wishes of Hong Kong people."