More voting system briefings held
Chief Executive Carrie Lam and principal government officials today met more representatives from different sectors to explain the improvements to Hong Kong’s electoral system.
Mrs Lam attended a briefing session for Hong Kong members of national organisations hosted by Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung, where she addressed questions raised by the participants.
Mr Cheung emphasised that the amendment of Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress will improve the electoral system, ensuring “patriots administering Hong Kong” and safeguarding the overall interests of society.
National sovereignty, security and development interests will be fully protected, he said.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's constitutional order established according to the Constitution and the Basic Law will be fully safeguarded. It will also ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems” and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
Mr Cheung reiterated that the Election Committee (EC) is the core element of the improvements to the electoral system.
The membership of the EC is being enlarged to 1,500 in five sectors, including the new fifth sector that comprises the Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress and Hong Kong members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference as ex-officio members as well as some EC members returned through election among Hong Kong members of the relevant national organisations.
The enlarged committee will cover more representatives from different sectors and all walks of life, better representing the overall and fundamental interests of society.
The Chief Secretary encouraged participants to brief different sectors of the community on the improvements to deepen their understanding of the new electoral system as well as its necessity and urgency.
Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng hosted two briefing sessions for representatives of the Law Society and stakeholders in the legal sector to explain the improvements to the electoral system.
Ms Cheng noted that the improvements enable better implementation of the “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle, and effectively safeguard the constitutional order as set out in the Constitution and the Basic Law.
Through synthesising a new democratic electoral system suited to Hong Kong's actual situation and with Hong Kong characteristics, the improved electoral system will put “one country, two systems” back on the right track, thus ensuring the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, she added.
At the briefing sessions, Ms Cheng also appealed to the participants to support the Government in the work of improving the electoral system.
Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip also gave briefings on the improvements to the electoral system to relevant sectors.
Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau briefed representatives from the textiles and garment sector and reiterated the necessity and urgency of improving the electoral system as well as highlighted its importance to creating a stable business environment and ensuring Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
Mr Yau emphasised that by improving the electoral system, the excessive politicisation in society and the internal rifts that have torn Hong Kong apart can be effectively mitigated, thereby enhancing the governance capability of the Hong Kong SAR.
The Hong Kong SAR will then be able to focus on addressing economic and livelihood issues, and developing the economy to achieve long-term prosperity and stability through leveraging its unique advantages and the staunch support of the central authorities, he added.
In her meeting with medical sector representatives, Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan reiterated that the amendments to Basic Law annexes safeguard the constitutional order as set out by the Constitution and the Basic Law.
They also enhance the Hong Kong SAR’s governance to assure the steadfast and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle, she added.
Secretary for the Environment KS Wong met representatives of Southern and Wan Chai district organisations.
Permanent Secretary for the Environment/Director of Environmental Protection Maisie Cheng, Under Secretary for the Environment Tse Chin-wan and Under Secretary for Home Affairs Jack Chan also attended the briefing sessions.
Elaborating on the background and objectives of the improvements to the electoral system, Mr Wong said the improvements and implementing “patriots administering Hong Kong” can restore order from chaos and return Hong Kong to the right track, ensuring the robust and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.
Mr Wong noted that with the electoral system improved, the Government and society can focus on improving people's livelihood, promoting economic development and strengthening environmental protection, with a view to providing a better living environment for the people.
He encouraged the local representatives to gain a better understanding of the matter and support the legislative work as well as brief people in the community on the improvements to the electoral system.
Participants from the district organisations welcomed and supported the improvements to the electoral system given their necessity and urgency. They also expressed their hope for safeguarding Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.
Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong met social welfare sector representatives and reiterated that the electoral system improvements aimed to fully implement the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, ensuring steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems” and enhancing the efficacy of governance.
He hoped that the community would focus on economic development and improving people's livelihoods after the legislative amendments, with concerted efforts to solve deep-seated problems and relieve the burden of sectors in need.
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui met around 50 representatives from the financial services and insurance sectors at three briefing sessions.
He said improving the electoral system can safeguard society's overall interests and enhance the Hong Kong SAR’s governance efficacy, ensuring the continued success of “one country, two systems” for maintaining Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity.
Mr Hui appealed to the sectors to support and co-operate with the Government in its work to improve the electoral system.
Secretary for Home Affairs Caspar Tsui met Kowloon Federation of Associations representatives to gain their support for the amendments.
Mr Tsui said improving Hong Kong's electoral system to ensure that it upholds the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy, and to fully implement the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” will help effectively enhance the governance capability of the Hong Kong SAR, thereby assuring the steadfast and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle as well as the long-term stability of the city.
He also emphasised the importance, necessity and urgency of the amendments and said the Hong Kong SAR Government will spare no effort in taking forward the work on amending the relevant local electoral laws to strive for early and full implementation of the new electoral system.
Mr Tsui hoped the attendees would recognise and support relevant work of the Government.