Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang has urged lawmakers to support the 2007-08 Policy Address and take forward measures in Hong Kong's long-term interest.

Speaking at the Legislative Council today, Mr Tang said the address is pragmatic, progressive, and catered for the needs of all sectors of the community.

On universal suffrage, Mr Tang said the third-term HKSAR Government is sincere and determined to address the issue of universal suffrage within the five-year term.

"We are summarising public views gathered during the consultation on the Green Paper on Constitutional Development. We will assess whether differences in opinions are narrowing down to provide the necessary basis for consensus-building to implement universal suffrage. The Government will then publish the detailed findings and submit a report to the Central Government to faithfully reflect the views gathered," Mr Tang said.

Smooth governance

Mr Tang said smooth governance forms the basis of a harmonious society.

"Hong Kong people hope the administration and the legislature can discharge their respective responsibilities according to the Basic Law, with the long-term interests of Hong Kong and the community's welfare at heart. The principal officials and I will make best efforts to work closely with the Legislative Council."

He also emphasised the Government will allocate more resources to enhancing the role of District Councils and encourage more public engagement in the formulation of major policy initiatives.

"Hong Kong's future is to maintain its unique role in bringing the Mainland and the world together. Our starting point, when positioning ourselves, must be the future of our country. Our priority is to fit into the long-term development strategy of our country and further strengthen co-operation with Mainland provinces and cities, in particular Shenzhen, Guangdong and the Pan-Pearl River Delta."

National education

The Government will devote more resources to promoting the Basic Law and national education to enhance Hong Kong people's understanding of the Mainland.

"Our vision is to create a compassionate and caring society. The Policy Address proposed various pragmatic measures to enable people to help themselves through the joint efforts of the Government, private enterprises and individuals," Mr Tang said.

"The Government will positively consider suggestions that optimise the use of public resources and benefit those who are truly in need."