Chief Secretary Carrie Lam described the Government's meeting with the Federation of Students as calm and rational, which is helpful for mutual understanding.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mrs Lam said she respected the student’s passion and tenacity, and urged the federation to co-operate with the Government to resolve social problems.
To show the Government’s sincerity, Mrs Lam said it will consider submitting a public opinion report to the State Council’s Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office.
The report will be comprehensive and factual, reflecting public opinion on the National People’s Congress' August 31 decision on Hong Kong’s constitutional development.
Speaking on the impact of the report on the 2017 universal suffrage proposal, Mrs Lam said it is too early to comment, but it is possible some opinion might be useful in designing the universal suffrage plan.
Mrs Lam also said the idea of creating a discussion platform for long-term political development is worth exploring, as it will help different stakeholders exchange opinion and build consensus.
Speaking on the prospect of whether the 2017 reform proposal can gain Legislative Council approval, Mrs Lam said she is not optimistic but will still try to gain lawmakers’ support. She also urged legislators to respect society’s wish to have universal suffrage, and make a responsible and wise decision.
