Revised proposal constitutional: SJ

June 29, 2011

Secretary for Justice Wong Yan Lung says the Government’s revised proposal on the replacement mechanism does not violate the Basic Law, nor does it strip the people of their right to vote.
 
Speaking to reporters after meeting with the Hong Kong Bar Association tonight, Mr Wong said the Government’s revisions effectively addressed public concerns.
 
He said it was not stated in the Basic Law that vacancies in the Legislative Council must be filled through by-elections, adding by-elections were not the only legal way to fill such vacancies.
 
He said the revised proposal maintains the proportion of seats occurring under the representation system as most of the vacancies will be replaced by candidates on the same list as the departing legislators. It also saves expenditure.
 
The proposal is transparent, reasonable and fair, Mr Wong added.