In the wake of the interpretation of the Basic Law, the call to put aside the wrangle over political development and focus on economic development has become loud and clear. It cannot be ignored.

The need is for calm after the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress decided against introducing universal suffrage in 2007 and 2008.

It is a popular view that with more economy-stimulating measures from Beijing and improving economic conditions around the world, Hong Kong's economy is showing signs of a powerful rebound. Hong Kong people should avail themselves of this opportunity to give the reviving economy as strong a push as they possibly can. This is the most urgent task facing the SAR at this moment.

In a recent meeting with Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, President Hu Jintao pointed out that rejuvenating the economy was the territory's highest priority. And Vice-President Zeng Qinghong told Financial Secretary Henry Tang that developing the economy and improving people's livelihoods were always the main themes of governance. The fact that both top leaders have put their emphasis on the economy demonstrates that strategies to bolster Hong Kong's economic resuscitation and development are the major issue the central government has in mind.

Since the NPCSC has agreed that the two election methods are to be altered, the constitutional debate will certainly continue, and the development of Hong Kong's political culture has not come to a stop.

Comparatively speaking, however, it is an even more important mission to seize the opportunity to revive the economy because no city with protracted economic problems can have sufficient interest and time to spend in studying democracy.

In a time of knowledge-based economy and economic globalization, when competition is extraordinarily intense and opportunities are fleeting, the last thing one can afford to lose is time. Hence the major objectives of the NPCSC decision are to fend off interference, clarify uncertainties, and stop unnecessary wrangles so as to minimize the wastage of precious time.

Democratization and economic development are not mutually incompatible. In fact, the two exercises could reinforce each other if handled appropriately. But there are also abundant examples of failure in which radical democracy has lowered administrative efficiency and triggered political volatility that has scared away foreign investors and politicized all social issues. One recent example that we must take note of was Taiwan's "presidential" election, which has led to polarization of the island's society.

Since Hong Kong is now at the crucial juncture of economic revival and transformation, it is absolutely necessary to preserve relative stability in society and the political scene. The last thing Hong Kong needs now is political experiments that may bring about social upheavals that exert a price too heavy for the local populace to pay. The business community has expressed deep concern over such prospects, and their apprehension should be able to provide the advocates for radical political development some food for thought.

Hong Kong people's prime concern is economic development and not political. Without economic prosperity, political power means nothing. The editorial of a certain newspaper said it well: Pursuit of democracy is admirable but does not bring wealth; people want universal suffrage, but not urgently.

For those who claim every day that they have respect for democracy, if they really care about Hongkongers' democratic rights, they ought to understand that the right to grasp the current opportunities to re-launch the economy and improve people's livelihoods is what is most necessary at this moment. It is something that nobody has the right to ignore.

(HK Edition 04/30/2004 page2)