TNAG-2456-FCO40-3577-Future-of-Hong-Kong-constitutional-development-presentation-1992 — Page 81

THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 7TH OCTOBER, 1992

The Objectives

THE CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE

The prime objective for political development in Hong Kong as envisaged by the Governor is :

To strengthen to the maximum extent possible Hong Kong's political institutions within the framework of the Sino- British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.

Before announcing these changes, the Governor has consulted widely with political and community leaders over the last three months. He has the following three key objectives in mind:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

to ensure that Hong Kong has a vigorous and effective executive-led government which is accountable to the legislature;

to broaden the participation of the community in the conduct of Hong Kong's affairs; and

to devise arrangements for the elections in 1994 and 1995 which command the confidence and support of the community.

There are two main elements in the constitutional package.

Firstly, immediate initiatives to make Hong Kong's political institutions more effective and more accountable.

Secondly, proposals for the elections of the Legislative Council (1995) the Municipal Council (1995) and District Boards (1994).

(I)

Immediate Initiatives

(a)

(b)

alda

Executive Council (ExCo) Legislative Council (LegCo) Separation.

To separate the non-official membership of the ExCo and LegCo in order to enable each to perform and develop their different roles. ExCo will comprise independent members of the community distinguished in their own fields together with senior civil servants.

Legco

Members of LegCo will have greater autonomy to manage their own affairs.

LegCo will have its own Secretariat and elect its own President; it will also continue to determine its own rules of procedure.

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