Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said Monday (Nov. 15) that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government will not consider any suggestion on constitutional development that deviates from the Basic Law and the decision of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee on electoral arrangements for 2007 and 2008.

Tung made the remarks when reiterating the HKSAR government's position on a motion moved last month by some Legislative Council members on a "referendum" on constitutional development.

"The SAR Government is of the view that any suggested means to deal with the electoral methods in 2007 and 2008 which depart from the Basic Law and the NPCSC's decision, especially by way of a referendum as proposed in a motion by some Legislative Council members, is inappropriate, is inconsistent with the established legal procedures, is impractical and is misleading to the public," Tung said.

"Proposing a referendum will seriously undermine the prevailing harmony in the community and affect the cordial relationship between the Central authorities and the HKSAR," the executive said, adding "it will not help promote the healthy development of democracy in Hong Kong."

"The NPCSC is the highest organ of state power. The HKSAR must abide by and implement this decision," Tung stressed. "Members of the Legislative Council must respect and abide by this established relationship and order under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, aside from their personal views and opinions."

Tung said, the LC members' motion on a "referendum" has caused serious concern in the community and among various parties.

The Basic Law has laid down clear provisions regarding constitutional development in Hong Kong and how the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and forming the Legislative Council may be amended.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) made a decision on April 26 this year on the methods for the elections in 2007 and 2008. The NPCSC made the decision strictly in line with legal procedures after consulting various sectors in Hong Kong. It had assessed prudently the actual situation in Hong Kong and had fully taken into account the interests of various sectors, Tung said.

Editor: Olivia