HONG KONG: Deputations from different sectors and organizations have expressed their support for the consultation document on methods for selecting the Chief Executive (CE) and forming the Legislative Council (LegCo) in 2012 and have said that the document has laid a milestone toward constitutional development in Hong Kong.

At a Constitutional Affairs Panel meeting yesterday, participants mostly agreed to increase the membership of the election committee to select the CE from 800 to 1,200, while recommending that the newly-added seats should be equally distributed among the four functional constituencies.

Fung Kwok-wah from the Kowloon City District Resident Association pointed out that "the amendments of two selection methods for selecting the 2012 CE and the LegCo are complying with the principle of gradual and orderly progress."

Participants also agree to enhance the participation of the elected district councillors (DC) in the selection process, believing that the amendment would enlarge the democratic base of the committee.

The Fragrant Women Association expressed its view that the CE should not belong to any political parties in order to maintain a neutral and unbiased position when discharging his or her duties.

In view of the increasing workloads on legislators, attendees favored adding 10 more LegCo seats to the current 60 seats.

Regarding nationality regulations governing legislators, Fung regards Hong Kong as an international and diverse city, and therefore argued that 12 seats should be given to non-Chinese Hong Kong residents and those who have the right of abode overseas.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam said that the government welcomes all kinds of ideas regarding constitutional development in Hong Kong.

(HK Edition 01/13/2010 page1)