Time to build a broad consensus
James Tien
28 April 2004 South China Morning Post
The latest decision by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress was made according to the guidelines laid down in its earlier interpretation of the relevant provisions of the Basic Law. Therefore, it is in line with the constitution, and with the Basic Law requirements.
Such a decision clearly illustrates the fact that the Standing Committee attaches importance to the constitutional development of the special administrative region, and that it has given due consideration to the opinions of both the SAR government and the public of Hong Kong.
The decision can help facilitate the course of consensus-building in Hong Kong over the final proposal with regard to political reform.
Undoubtedly, there is a strong voice among the people of Hong Kong demanding universal suffrage for electing the chief executive in 2007 and the entire legislature in 2008. However, there is also a substantial proportion of the population which has reservations.
To maintain prosperity and social stability, changes must be rational, practicable and in accordance with the Basic Law. It must be recognised that constitutional development can only move forward, and not backwards. Therefore, every step must be taken with the greatest caution in the community.
The Standing Committee has ruled out the prospect of introducing universal suffrage in 2007 and 2008. However, the Basic Law states clearly that universal suffrage is the ultimate aim, as long as the actual situation in Hong Kong is taken into consideration, and the principle of gradual and orderly progress is observed.
This point was reiterated by the Standing Committee. I strongly believe in Beijing's resolve to keep that promise. The challenge ahead is how to resolve the differences in our community on the pace of progress and to arrive at a broad consensus on the way forward.
Now that the Standing Committee has made its decision, I believe it is time that we put behind us all the unnecessary disputes and move forward on our future political arrangement.
As we have announced before, according to most of the opinions which we have gathered both from inside and outside our party, there are reservations about introducing universal suffrage in 2007 and 2008 in one step.
There remains a lack of the necessary political institutions to support an abrupt change, such as: a healthy relationship between the executive and legislative branches; the mature development of party politics; the nurturing of political talent; and revitalised policy research.
These are all required to underpin a healthy democracy. Universal suffrage should not be mistaken as the panacea for all the political problems we have faced.
Finally, the Liberal Party expects that now the decision has been made by the Standing Committee, the SAR government should speed up the consultation exercise with all sectors of society to prepare specific options on the constitutional development of Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the Liberal Party will play an active role to complement the process by consulting its party members, professionals, the industrial and commercial sectors, and members of the community.
We will also prepare a concrete proposal on the constitutional development of Hong Kong, with a view to establishing a consensus.
It is hoped that through the proposal, which will carry with it a definite timetable, we will be able to convince voters that the Liberal Party is able to develop a moderate, substantial and feasible plan for the constitutional development of Hong Kong.