FS strongly supports approval by NPCSC of amended Annex I and Annex II to Basic Law

     In response to the approval by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) today (March 30) of the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, issued the following statement:
      
     The NPCSC has approved the amended Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law to improve the electoral system of the HKSAR for the full implementation of the Decision of the National People's Congress on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR. By revising the method of formation and scale of the Election Committee and the Legislative Council, the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" can be fully implemented to plug the loopholes of the existing electoral system and an electoral system that fits the actual situation and development needs of Hong Kong and has wider participation can also be established. I fully support the approval.
      
     Through improving the electoral system of the HKSAR, the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" can be fully implemented with institutional safeguards and Hong Kong's political development can be back on track. The executive authorities and the legislature can restore better interaction with the overall interests of Hong Kong as the core consideration, which can play a pivotal role in maintaining Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.
      
     An improved electoral system will strengthen the executive-led political system and enhance the governance capability of the HKSAR Government, thereby enabling the community as a whole to focus on progressively resolving Hong Kong's deep-seated issues to allow sustained social and economic stability and prosperity.

     An improved electoral system and the national security law implemented last year are important, essential and urgent for the successful implementation of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. Under the leadership of the Chief Executive, the HKSAR Government will spare no effort in explaining the amendments to the community and in pressing ahead with the work on amending relevant ordinances to strive for early and full implementation of the new electoral system.