Chief Secretary Carrie Lam says the Government is sincere in its dialogue with students, adding that the dialogue was held in response to the Federation of Students’ demands and was in line with the community’s expectation.
The Task Force on Constitutional Development met with the federation at the Academy of Medicine Jockey Club Building in Aberdeen today.
Mrs Lam opened the meeting by saying universal suffrage for the Chief Executive election in 2017 is a significant step in Hong Kong’s political development. She hopes the community can work together to put forward concrete proposals to achieve a fair, open and transparent election system.
She clarified two misconceptions on the 2017 election during the meeting. First, the Basic Law and framework on the nomination procedures has enabled a fair election with universal suffrage.
She further clarified that the restrictions set under the decisions made by NPC on August 31 will not be applicable forever. The “five-step process” can be launched again in accordance with the Basic Law and relevant constitutional procedures for elections beyond 2017.
She stressed that the Government has heard the students’ requests. No matter how noble their aspirations are, they should only resort to lawful and reasonable means. The students should take into account the well-being of the community as a whole and take the lead in appealing to the protesters to stop occupation.
The two-hour meeting included opening remarks, discussion, and then closing remarks.
Lingnan University President Prof Leonard Cheng was the meeting's moderator.
Mrs Lam was accompanied by Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Raymond Tam, Chief Executive's Office Director Edward Yau and Under Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Lau Kong-wah.
