Acting Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said Wednesday the decision to seek interpretation ofthe law governing the new chief executive's term of office by the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee is lawful and constitutional.

Tsang told the media the move is necessary and in Hong Kong's best interest as the government is facing a problem which cannot be solved through the city's internal system.

He said it is the Special Administrative Region government's responsibility to elect a new chief executive on July 10 in accordance with the Basic Law and local legislation. This is also in line with public expectation.

Describing it as a difficult but necessary decision, Tsang said the move will help the government maintain stability and ensure the government's normal operation.

He said the government has solicited views of various sides on the term of the new chief executive. He believed that seeking the interpretation of the NPC Standing Committee is the only way out at present.

Editor: Olivia