A REPORT by Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying on the revision of election methods for the SAR’s top job in 2017 and its Legislative Council in 2016 was applauded by members of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) at a bi-monthly session in Beijing on Monday.

    Speaking at the meeting to discuss a framework for reform ahead of the city’s first democratic chief executive election in 2017, Leung said: “The Basic Law simply does not state the term ‘international standards.’”

    He made the remarks in reference to the demands of the Occupy Central movement, which has threatened to rally volunteers to block streets in the heart of the city if the Central Government does not allow a model for universal suffrage that conforms with accepted international standards.

    Leung said Hong Kong was a unique society in many ways — including granting foreign permanent residents the right to vote. “If the election in 2017 must fulfill international standards, should we deprive foreigners who are among the 5 million qualified voters … of the right to universal suffrage?” he asked.

    Other “unique” aspects of the Basic Law include the city’s financial independence from the Central Government and the fact it has its own currency, Leung added. He said Occupy would be “counterproductive” to the goal of achieving universal suffrage.

    Committee members examining the report hailed Leung’s remarks as positive, responsible and pragmatic as it summarizes thoroughly the opinions expressed by different sections of Hong Kong’s communities during a public consultation from Dec. 4 last year to May 3.

    The current chief executive was elected by a committee in 2012. Hong Kong plans to introduce universal suffrage, the right for citizens to vote, during the 2017 election. (SD-Agencies)