A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government
spokesman reiterated the government's firm commitment to preserving
Hong Kong as a free, open and tolerant society, adding the
government would spare no effort in upholding the core values of
Hong Kong.
He made the remarks in response to a radio program aired earlier
Sunday.
The spokesman said that the government would not allow these
core values to be undermined by any individual or organization,
irrespective of their background.
"Freedom of speech is protected by the Basic Law. Colleagues of
the government will continue to take part in public discussion
programs organized by the media and to subject the administration
to the scrutiny of the media and the Legislative Council (LegCo).
The government's commitment to be held accountable to the public
has always been upheld."
Concerning views expressed on the HKSAR's constitutional
development, the spokesman said, "In a society as diversified as
Hong Kong, where people have such pluralistic views, to facilitate
the emergence of an option that would receive broad-based support
within the community one would have to accommodate one another's
views."
"There would have to be a process of compromise. Different
parties would have to be engaged in a dialogue. The Constitutional
Development Task Force welcomes the fact that representatives of
different parties, including those representing the democrats, took
part in the two seminars organized in May and June. We hope that
these discussions will facilitate the building of a consensus in
future," he said.
He called on different sectors of the community to use the
existing channels to make their views known to the Constitutional
Development Task Force.
Concerning the upcoming LegCo elections, he said the government
was committed to keeping the LegCo elections free, open and honest.
The Electoral Affairs Commission will work closely with the
Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Police in
ensuring that the elections are free from illegal or corrupt
practices. Any person who feels that he is placed under duress with
regard to electoral matters should report to the ICAC immediately.
The authorities will enforce the law vigilantly, said the
spokesman.
(Xinhua News Agency June 14, 2004)