Major political parties and the business community in Hong Kong voiced their support yesterday for the decision by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) that rules out universal suffrage in 2007 and 2008.

James Tien of the Liberal Party said he welcomed and supported the decision.

He noted that many people in the community are concerned that universal suffrage in 2007 and 2008 would not fulfil the principle of "gradual and orderly progress".

"We shall make no haste because we do not possess the right conditions, such as the maturity of political parties and enough political talents," he said.

Ma Lik, chairman of the Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong, said his party supports the decision as it provides room for discussion on the election methods in 2007 and 2008.

He called on Hong Kong people to explore specific election methods for 2007 and 2008 within the framework of the NPCSC decision in a rational manner.

Albert Chen, a law professor with the University of Hong Kong and a member of the Committee for the Basic Law, called on Hong Kong people to respect the decision.

"On the one hand, the decision emphasizes gradual and orderly progress; and on the other, it provides Hong Kong society ample space (for reforms), such as the size of composition of the Election Committee (for the chief executive) and the functional constituencies," he said.

Chan Wing-kee, a standing committee member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said the most important tasks Hong Kong faces are to improve the economy, attract foreign investment and generate more jobs.

He called on politicians not to create any more trouble so as to maintain Hong Kong's stability and foreign investors' confidence.

Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Eden Woon opined that democracy goes beyond universal suffrage.

But the "pro-democracy" bloc reacted strongly against the decision, saying it has undermined "One Country, Two Systems" and the high degree of autonomy that Hong Kong enjoys.

Democratic Party Chairman Yeung Sum criticized the NPCSC ruling as a case of "Beijing people running Hong Kong".

Hong Kong Bar Association Chairman Edward Chan regretted the decision had ruled out universal suffrage in 2007 and 2008 and he called it "rash and random".

The Article 45 Concern Group expressed grave regret over the decision and queried its constitutionality.

(HK Edition 04/27/2004 page2)