Henry Tang says all sectors of Hong Kong society should be realistic and support the constitutional reform package because it is reasonable, sensible - and above all - legal

The constitutional development of Hong Kong is at a critical juncture right now. The question of whether 5 million eligible voters in Hong Kong can elect the Chief Executive by "one person, one vote" in 2017 will soon be answered. To fully implement universal suffrage is not only the solemn commitment of the central government but also the common aspiration of Hong Kong people. If approved, it would be regarded as another milestone in the constitutional development of Hong Kong and of profound significance to the future development of the city's democratic system. I wish that all sectors of the society can adopt a pragmatic attitude toward the reform package, which is perfectly legitimate, reasonable and sensible.

Back in the 1980s, when formulating the visionary "One Country, Two Systems" policy and establishing Hong Kong as a special administrative region of China, the late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping was clearly aware of the unique historical background of the city. According to the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the practice of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy was agreed upon between the two countries' governments. It did not take long before the significant principle of the policy was stressed explicitly in the Basic Law, the constitutional code promulgated by the National People's Congress and enacted in 1990.

From the legal perspective, the constitutional development of Hong Kong must strictly comply with the Basic Law along with relevant decisions of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC). Article 45 of the Basic Law stipulates that the selection of the Chief Executive should proceed in full respect of the actual situation of the SAR and in an orderly and gradual fashion. The ultimate goal is to elect the CE by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative Nominating Committee through a process in accordance with democratic principles. The framework decision announced by the NPCSC on Aug 31 last year has further specified the method and core elements of the CE election by universal suffrage. The current electoral reform proposals presented by the SAR government have solid legal grounds as it fully conforms with the Basic Law and relevant NPCSC decisions.

From a philosophical point of view, the constitutional development of Hong Kong is required to fit the actual situation of the society and proceed in a gradual and orderly manner. Hong Kong, as a special administrative region of China, is a relatively small open economy that needs a stable social environment. The implementation of universal suffrage will mark a significant change in the political system of society. As such, it is without question that the CE election by universal suffrage must be conducted in a steady and assured manner. As the old saying goes, "haste makes waste". It is unrealistic to expect Hong Kong to reach the ultimate goal with just one single leap. The constitutional development of Hong Kong must tread a gradual and orderly path.

From a sensible perspective, the government has positively responded to the aspirations of Hong Kong society and has taken into account the desires of people from all walks of life. In an open and plural society like Hong Kong it is reasonable for local citizens of different social strata and economic sectors to have different demands for democratic representation and a positive role in the political consultation process so as to safeguard their interests. The Nominating Committee, formulated in the light of the existing Election Committee, consists of 1,200 members from four sectors and is regarded as broadly representative as the members are all social elite. Also, it has been stipulated that under the Aug 31 framework decision of the NPCSC there is still plenty room for the local legislation to optimize the details of the reform package through rational discussion. It is, however, regrettable to see that all sectors involved failed to narrow their differences and reach consensus on critical issues regarding the reform package.

Currently a small number of people in Hong Kong have vowed to block the passage of the reform package instead of heeding public wishes. They have put forward unrealistic and unconstitutional demands that clearly violate the Basic Law and the framework decision of the NPCSC. Their ignorance of the actual situation in Hong Kong as well as of public wishes to have the CE elected by universal suffrage has consumed too much precious time for public consultation and has evidently hindered the democratic development of Hong Kong.

Failed constitutional reform will undoubtedly put Hong Kong in a "lose-lose" situation. To the central government and SAR government it means universal suffrage cannot be achieved in the 2017 CE election. It also means the constitutional development of Hong Kong will suffer a serious setback once the reform package is vetoed by opposition lawmakers. In addition to all that the people of Hong Kong stand to suffer the most because they will not only be denied the opportunity to elect the next CE by "one person, one vote" but also be deprived of the right to elect their representatives directly in the 2020 Legislative Council elections. Opposition lawmakers who ignore overwhelming popular wishes and veto the electoral reform package must justify themselves before the electorate such an undemocratic decision, which will undoubtedly hamper the democratic development of the city.

I sincerely wish that in 2017 I can join more than 5 million fellow voters to cast our ballots at the polling stations throughout the city in the CE election by universal suffrage. As a former chief secretary for administration I headed the task force to handle the political reform in 2010 and successfully rallied support from the LegCo to get the reform package approved. Hence, I am fully aware of the importance of mutual understanding and communication. It is hoped that all parties involved, including the HKSAR Government, lawmakers and citizens, can adopt a pragmatic and rational attitude and work together on building consensus and achieve universal suffrage for the whole of Hong Kong.

(HK Edition 06/05/2015 page11)