CE Explains Constitutional Package to Chinese-Canadians

His late October visit to Vancouver was not only Mr. Donald Tsang’s first overseas visit as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, it was also the first time a Chief Executive appeared on a live 
radio phone-in program in Canada.

Mr. Tsang was guest of honour during an hour-long interview and phone-in program hosted by Hong Kong legislator Albert Cheng and well-known broadcaster Teresa Wat on Vancouver radio station AM1320. 

During the Chinese-language program, Mr. Tsang told the hosts and audience that in order for Hong Kong to attain universal suffrage, creating favourable conditions are necessary, which include grooming political talents, opening more channels for those who are capable of and committed to participating in the political process, and reviewing the role and functions 
of the District Councils with a view to further expanding their functions. 

On the recently released package on constitutional development in Hong Kong, Mr. Tsang described the main features offered by the package, including greater public participation, a broadening of the electorate 
base and increased democratic representation, and expressed his wholehearted support of the proposals and his hope that they will receive the full support of the community.

He communicated his belief that the package strikes just the right balance between the views and wishes of different sectors. And he added that it also helps to maintain prosperity and stability by ensuring that Hong Kong’s political system will develop in a sustainable manner.

Reiterating that the Basic Law clearly states that the ultimate goal of constitutional development is universal suffrage, Mr. Tsang acknowledged that, while views differed on the timetable for achieving it, the SAR 
Government is working proactively towards this goal.

In an interview with the Globe and Mail, Mr. Tsang pointed out that Hong Kong requires time to develop the political structures and culture for democracy after more than 140 years of British rule and that Hong Kong 
people believe in incremental stages to find a solution to democratic development. The Chief Executive stressed that the democratic process in Hong Kong is becoming more liberal and more open with each election held and Hong Kong has “to build on that into what is called universal suffrage”. He concluded that the city is “ moving at its own speed and are trying to find a consensus made in Hong Kong”.

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