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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (May 17):
Chief Executive: Yesterday we held a by-election for LegCo vacancies, because five LegCo Members had resigned. Thanks to all concerned, the by-election was generally smooth and orderly.
As we all know, this by-election is unique and has generated much controversy. We should respect those who chose to exercise their rights and cast their vote yesterday. But at the same time, we should not ignore the views of the silent majority who chose not to vote, many of whom believed that the by-election had been an abuse of the electoral system and a waste of taxpayers' money.
With the by-election now behind us, I hope that from today on, we can put aside our differences and work together to push our constitutional advancement. To do that we must now focus on the package that is now put on the table for 2012 and ask ourselves a few fundamental questions.
The first question is, compared with the existing electoral arrangements, does it represent progress towards greater democracy?
Second, will the passage of this package lay a stronger foundation, than the present electoral system, for implementing universal suffrage election of the Chief Executive in 2017 and of the Legislative Council in 2020?
Third, for those of our friends wanting more democratic reform than what is being offered, is it true that the passage of this package will not become an obstacle to realising their ultimate goals for universal suffrage?
Fourth, more important, will the passage of the package help increase the trust between the Central Government, the HKSAR Government, LegCo and the public at large, which in turn will help promote further dialogue, co-operation and consensus on the details of universal suffrage elections.
I believe if we sit down to consider these questions objectively, the answers are quite obvious.
Indeed if we look at the recent opinion polls on the reform package, it is clear that however the questions are put, those who want to see LegCo approve the reform package are consistently in the majority.
In the coming weeks, my colleagues and I will go direct to the community, and explain to them the contents and significance of the package. I hope that members of the public will spare some time to understand our proposals, and will reflect their views to their LegCo members.
There is still time before LegCo members have to make a final decision. Before they do, I urge them to listen to the views of the people. At stake is nothing less than the future of our democracy, the future of Hong Kong. We lost a golden opportunity five years ago. We must not let it happen again. Thank you very much.
Reporter:...how to pass the political reform package now that half a million people have voted against it?
Chief Executive: I think it is important for us to reflect, all of us, where should we go from here. I suggest now, there are fundamental questions we need to answer, and those answers are quite obvious. Hong Kong people have expressed their views. First of all, all of us want democracy. Most of us are content that full universal suffrage elections should take place as scheduled, for the Chief Executive in 2017 and for LegCo in 2020. They've also told us they're generally satisfied with what is put on the table. And the majority of them have supported, and want LegCo to vote in favour of the package put on the table. And yesterday's performance has told us they are tired, they're tired, of violent actions. They want peaceful dialogue, they want objective discussion, they want us to move ahead, they do not want to stay behind, and stay where we are. Thank you very much.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, May 17, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:18
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