14 April 2010

(for immediate release)

 

 

The political reform package announced by the Government today falls short of expectations in that the Government only makes minor concessions in its current package as compared with the original proposal put forward last November.

The Law Society considers that the Government’s proposal of assigning the five new LegCo seats to District Council members to be elected by proportional representation is an improvement. However, the Law Society maintains that in view of Article 97 of the Basic Law, it may not be appropriate for District Councils to be taken as a gateway to enter the Legislative Council.

Mr. Huen Wong, President of the Law Society said: "While the latest proposals have set some directions for future democratic development in Hong Kong; in particular, the Government has stated clearly their aim to implement universal suffrage for the election of the Chief Executive and the LegCo in 2017 and 2020 respectively, more concessions could have been made in order to achieve their aspirations for reaching a consensus on political development."

For enquiry, please contact:
Ms. Valerie Cheung
Tel: 2846 0520 / 2846 0555


About the Law Society of Hong Kong

The Law Society of Hong Kong is a professional body of solicitors in Hong Kong vested with the statutory powers to regulate the professional conduct of solicitors. It establishes and promotes professional standards and the solicitors' code of conduct and practice and ensures its compliance. The Law Society assists its members to promote Hong Kong legal services and offers its views from time to time on legal issues that are of public concern. For more information, please visit: www.hklawsoc.org.hk