The Central Authorities have powers and responsibilities under the Chinese Constitution in overseeing the development of the political structure of Hong Kong, said Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam on Wednesday (Mar 17th).

Lam told the Legislative Council that the Chinese Constitution provides the legal foundations for the nation and holds legal effect of the highest order.

"It symbolizes national sovereignty. The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) provides in the preamble that it was enacted in accordance with the Constitution of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The National People's Congress (NPC) established the HKSAR and decided on the systems of the HKSAR in accordance with Articles 31 and 62 of the Constitution respectively," said Lam.

"In enacting the Basic Law, the NPC prescribed the systems to be practiced in Hong Kong. This set of systems included the political structure of Hong Kong. As the systems to be practiced in Hong Kong, including the political structure, were determined by the Central Authorities in accordance with the Constitution, the Central Authorities clearly have powers and responsibilities in overseeing the development of the political structure of Hong Kong under the Constitution," said Lam.

"The powers and roles of the Central Authorities in this respect are not limited to those specified in Annexes I and II of the Basic Law," Lam added.

Editor: Wing