Act now: Chief Executive Donald Tsang attends an assembly organised by the Alliance for Constitutional Development at Victoria Park.

The Government is studying the Democratic Party's counter proposal on 2012 constitutional reform, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says, adding the Government will move two motions on the amendments to the electoral methods in 2012 on June 23 as scheduled.

Speaking to reporters after attending an assembly organised by the Alliance for Constitutional Development at Victoria Park this afternoon, Mr Tsang said the constitutional issues involved in the party's proposal are under study and the Government will come up with a conclusion soon.

Noting the proposal contains high levels of democratic elements, the Chief Executive said it will not affect the Government's original reform package much. If the Government wants to incorporate the counter-proposal in the original package, it can do it through local legislation and there is no need to amend the resolution to be tabled at LegCo.

He will continue to meet political parties including the Democratic Party to discuss the matter.

Reform support urged

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Chief Secretary Henry Tang said the Government will consider abolishing the District Council appointment system if lawmakers pass the reform package.

Mr Tang said appointed District Councillors have made huge contributions to community work.

If the appointment system is abolished, he believes incumbent appointed councillors will take the city's interests into consideration and not have strong objections. However, the Government will need to take steps to placate them.

In response to the Democratic Party's counter-proposal, Mr Tang reiterated the Government will consider any proposal that complies with the Basic Law and the decision of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, enhances the democratic elements in the electoral methods, and can obtain the approval of a two-thirds majority in LegCo.