Hong Kong Chief Executive Addresses Basic Law Seminar

At a seminar held on March 15 marking the 14th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, discussed the recent debate over constitutional development. 

Mr Tung said that a debate within the Hong Kong community on issues of principle about constitutional development was to be expected for two main reasons. The first reason was the unprecedented nature of the “One Country, Two Systems” concept and the consequent lack of experience with the Basic Law. “So discussions about constitutional development,” said Mr Tung, “will inevitably revolve around relevant Basic Law provisions and related issues of principle.” 

The second reason involves the principle that patriots must form the main body that runs Hong Kong, and that under the concept, “One Country, Two Systems”, it is the People’s Republic of China under which “Two Systems” is implemented. Mr Tung pointed out that Hong Kong people have been separated from the motherland for a long time, thus prompting the need for serious discussions “to deepen our awareness and understanding of these issues.”

Mr Tung discussed the issues relating to constitutional review, including autonomy, the provision for executive-led constitutional development, balanced participation and gradual and orderly progress. 

He emphasized the importance of these principles, saying, “They set out the premises, prerequisites and fundamentals of our constitutional development.” 

Mr Tung added that Hong Kong peoples’ sense of national identity and national consciousness has increased since their return to the motherland. He expressed his hope that “all sectors of the community will study the Basic Law again and gain new insights and understanding through rational discussion.”

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