Donald Tsang: The only way forward: dialogue and compromise

Much has been said and written recently about Hong Kong's political development. We have heard a wide range of views on the subject. No doubt our free and unfettered media will continue to reflect the full range of opinions in the weeks and months ahead. This is a great Hong Kong asset and is what we expect in an open and pluralistic society.

This week, we witnessed yet another milestone in our political development. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress accepted Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa's recommendation to change the methods for selecting the chief executive in 2007 and for forming the Legislative Council in 2008. There is no doubt that all the submissions from the public about this matter were instrumental in reaching this decision.

The Standing Committee also defined the parameters for change. This has provided us with a clear outline for discussion on various reform proposals within the framework of the Basic Law and the Standing Committee's decisions.

I certainly believe we have ample room for discussion and exploration. We can, for example, consider whether to increase the number of seats in Legco to allow even more committed talents to participate in the political arena. We might also consider increasing the number of members in the Election Committee, or to broaden the voter base of its constituencies to strengthen its representativeness. All of this can be explored under the framework of the Basic Law and the Standing Committee decisions. The taskforce that I am chairing is working hard to prepare its third report, which will list the areas that can be amended for the 2007 and 2008 elections.

We will issue the report this month and will also invite all sectors of society to come forward with their ideas for consideration by the government. We will, of course, continue to listen to a wide cross-section of views in an open and transparent way. What I believe we need most now is for all sectors in Hong Kong and all legislators to join hands with us in the government for frank and pragmatic discussions on major proposals and details.

I understand the varied reactions in the community about the Standing Committee's decisions. Some people are frustrated because we cannot achieve universal suffrage by 2007 and 2008; others believe that our constitutional development should progress step by step and not precipitously.

These diverse reactions are understandable, reflecting the different views and convictions of our people. We are all familiar with this pluralism as a political reality in Hong Kong.

In the current situation, however, I believe our immediate task is not to be agitated or uncompromising. We all need to focus on the task at hand - to critically consider how to thrash out a mutually acceptable solution from among all these diverse opinions and to build a consensus to allow a more democratic and representative political structure.

This is politics - rational dialogue that brings about compromise and results in a consensus. I do not want to see endless squabbling. This will only lead to a fruitless debate and stagnation. If we are only interested in seeing our own side win, or stray beyond the parameters of the framework of the Basic Law and the Standing Committee's decisions, we will never be able to reach any consensus. I truly hope that all the different parties involved give this some thought, and face this challenge. We must also remember that we cannot bring in any changes unless we have the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all Legco members, the consent of the chief executive, and then report those decisions for approval or for the record to the Standing Committee.

I would like all Hong Kong people to know that our political structure can and must keep progressing. The people of Hong Kong have clearly called for changes to improve our political structure. The Standing Committee has already confirmed that the election methods in 2007 and 2008 can be amended. What we need now is for all parties and sectors to focus on the discussions of all feasible options for change. And as we move forward, we will turn a new page in the constitutional development of Hong Kong.

I believe that our political structure must develop gradually, to avoid an adverse impact on our stability and prosperity, and to prevent conflict among different sectors. The central authorities and the Hong Kong government are handling the matter with extra care because we cannot afford to gamble with our political future or create any kind of economic and social instability. Over the years, the central authorities have done a lot to support Hong Kong. After all, we are part of the nation - all members of one family. The central authorities are not just concerned about our immediate interests but also our long-term development.

I hope that all sides can come together in the spirit of co-operation to devise a workable proposal on constitutional development - a proposal that is lasting, complies with the Basic Law and benefits the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

It is indeed a momentous task. And what we need to do now is to seize this opportunity to push forward political development through calm, rational and mature discussions and negotiations. I know that the taskforce will strive hard to make this happen.

Donald Tsang Yam-kuen is Hong Kong's chief secretary. This article is adapted from his Letter to Hong Kong, broadcast on RTHK on Saturday.