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 From Hong Kong's Information Services Department
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December 4, 2005
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Constitutional development
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Donald Tsang pledges to perfect reform package
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Donald Tsang
Voices heard: Chief Executive Donald Tsang said he had heard rally participants, felt their feelings and shared their pursuits.

Rally participants' demands for a universal suffrage roadmap and timetable have been heard, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says, adding he would see what can be done within a limited scope to perfect the political-reform package.

 

Talking to the media at Government House tonight, Mr Tsang said he had heard rally participants' voices, felt their feelings and shared their pursuits, while the Central Government also perfectly understands their aspirations.

 

He said the participants are not just a 'turnout figure', but that each of them represents a passion and an ideal for Hong Kong.

 

Commitment unchanged

Mr Tsang pointed out the Central Government and the Administration are actively leading the community in pursuing universal suffrage in an orderly fashion, stressing their commitment towards this goal would not change.

 

He hoped the Legislative Council would accept the Government's political-reform proposal, which is a step forward towards universal suffrage, adding he saw no contradiction between the package and the pursuit for a roadmap and timetable.

 

Mr Tsang said the package is the result of a prolonged consultation, and there is little scope for change. But he pledged to see what could be done to perfect the package, while the issues of a roadmap and timetable will be dealt with by the Commission on Strategic Development as soon as possible.

 

'Wish to see universal suffrage in my time'

"I am 60 years of age. I certainly want to see universal suffrage taking place in Hong Kong in my time," Mr Tsang said.

 

He added he was pleased to see today's rally conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, and participants' rational behaviour is something Hong Kong people should be proud of.