May 09, 2013

Chief Executive CY Leung says it is inappropriate for the Government to negotiate a deal with lawmakers filibustering the Appropriation Bill for the Budget.
 
Attending the Legislative Council question-and-answer session today, Mr Leung said he respects lawmakers' right to scrutinise the bill in accordance with the Basic Law, however, some have used filibustering tactics to delay proceedings.
 
He said LegCo members imposing conditions to stop filibustering is unfair to other legislators.
 
Mr Leung warned that Hong Kong will face a “fiscal cliff” if the bill is not approved by May 15, adding there will be dire and irreversible consequences for the community. Relief measures for needy families will be affected and it will deal a severe blow to Hong Kong’s reputation abroad, he said.
 
The council should pass the bill as soon as possible, he said, to avoid undesirable effects to Hong Kong’s economy and to people’s livelihood.
 
On constitutional development, Mr Leung said the Central and Hong Kong Governments are committed to achieving universal suffrage for the Chief Executive post, and there will be sufficient consultation time.
 
The Government will launch the consultation on the election methods of the Chief Executive in 2017 and the Legislative Council in 2016, and initiate the constitutional procedure, at an appropriate juncture, he said, adding the Government is not awaiting any directive.
 
In response to the 'Occupy Central' actions, Mr Leung urged people to respect the law and to not paralyse core business districts by airing their concerns in an illicit way. He said there are ample platforms for people to express their views, and urged the public to adopt a rational and pragmatic attitude in constitutional development discussion.