II.
DIFFERENT STAGES TO THE PROMULGATION OF THE BASIC
LAW
The different stages to the promulgation of the Basic Law are listed as follows:
1984
1985
Sino-British Joint Declaration signed by the Chinese and British Governments
Drafting
Committee and Consultative Committee for the Basic Law being set up
III.
1986
Structure of the Basic Law prepared
1987
1988
Provisions for the Basic Law drafted
Draft Basic Law of the HKSAR
(For Solicitation of Opinions) issued for consultation
1989
Basic Law of the HKSAR (Draft) adopted
Final round of consultations in Hong Kong
conducted
1990
Basic Law of the HKSAR promulgated
1997
Basic Law comes into effect from 1 July 1997
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BASIC LAW
(1)
Replacement of the existing constitution
will
As from 1 July 1997, the Basic Law replace the existing constitutional documents of Hong Kong. Neither the laws previously in force in Hong Kong nor laws enacted by the Legislative Council may contravene the Basic Law.
(2)
Creation of the Hong Kong Special Administ- rative Region (HKSAR)
The Basic Law will define the form and powers of the government of the HKSAR and the rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people. It will have a tremendous bearing on the political stability
economic prosperity of Hong Kong.
and
31