Best proposals: Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui says the Government will try its best to persuade lawmakers to support the whole package outlined in the Constitutional Development Task Force's fifth report.

Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui says the proposals outlined in the Constitutional Development Task Force's fifth report are pragmatic and feasible, adding the Government will try its best to persuade lawmakers to support the whole package.

Speaking to the press this afternoon, Mr Hui said the proposals aim to broaden the electorate base and strengthen the democratic element of the selection of the Chief Executive in 2007 and the forming of the Legislative Council in 2008.

Given the situation in Hong Kong, it is the best package that the Government can come up with, he stressed.

Favourable conditions essential

Reiterating universal suffrage is the Government's ultimate goal, Mr Hui said such a goal can only be achieved when all the favourable conditions and necessary supporting measures are there. Otherwise, a timetable for introducing universal suffrage would be meaningless.

He said the Government does have a concrete plan to create favourable political conditions.

"The review of District Councils will be conducted in the first quarter next year, and a consultation document on grooming political talents will be announced in the second quarter.

"Meanwhile, the Commission on Strategic Development will conduct a study on how to balance the interest of different sectors while introducing universal suffrage."

Appointed DC members included

When asked whether he will scrap the element of 'appointed District Council members' from the proposals, he said both elected and appointed DC members should enjoy the same rights and there is no reason to exclude appointed members' participation.

Noting the proposals can only be realised after getting the support of two-thirds of lawmakers, the SAR Government and the Central Government, Mr Hui said he will do his best to persuade lawmakers to support the package.

Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam noted the proposals are based on the results of the task force's consultation, adding enhancing the District Council members' participation is the best way to make the two selection methods more democratic.

Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung said according to the Basic Law, the amendments to the two selection methods must be handled in different ways. Therefore,  two motions concerning the amendments will be presented to LegCo this December.