Democracy In Hong Kong Is Safe, Says SAR Government

by Mary Swire, Tax-News.com, Hong Kong

17 August 2004

The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region felt compelled on Saturday to issue a statement confirming the future of democracy in the territory following comments by the President of Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian.

During the keynote speech of the 2nd Democratic Pacific Assembly in Taipei on Saturday, Chen, fearful that China intends to turn Taiwan into a Special Administrative Region, observed:

"The result of Hong Kong's becoming a special administrative region of China is that 500,000 people have marched in the streets to voice their demands for democratic elections and protest against the deprivation of free speech."

In response to media enquiries concerning Chen’s views on the HKSAR's constitutional development, a Hong Kong Constitutional Affairs spokesman stated:

"Ever since the establishment of the HKSAR, Hong Kong has pursued constitutional development according to the Basic Law. The democratic elements in our election system exceed that which pertained before the reunification.”

In April of this year, the Beijing authorities issued an edict which ruled out the direct election of Hong Kong's new chief executive and legislature in 2007 and 2008, causing great concern for pro-democracy groups and lawmakers in the region.

"Currently, we are undertaking in Hong Kong a review of constitutional development beyond 2007,” the spokesman continued, adding:

“We will consider the possibilities of further opening up the system for electing the Chief Executive in 2007 and for forming the Legco (Legislative Council) in 2008, in accordance with the Basic Law and the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.”

"Hong Kong enjoys a fair, open and honest election system, which is based on the rule of law. Our election system is not corrupted by 'money politics', the spokesman observed.

Recommended