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Please respect Hong Kong People's Opinion 26 March 2004 The Democratic Party strongly disagrees with the decision of the Standing
Committee of the National People's Congress. Chairman of the Party, Dr
Yeung Sum worries that it would undermine the principle of "One Country,
Two Systems" and the high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong. The Democratic Party believes that the Basic Law being our constitution is the bedrock for the successful implementation of the principle of "One Country, Two Systems". No one should seek an interpretation of the Basic Law without absolutely necessary. The Democratic Party fears that this is an attempt to silence the debate of the present debate of the political development. At present, the SAR Government has not announced any proposal on the election of Chief Executive in 2007 and the election of Legislative Councillors in 2008. The Central Government should encourage Hong Kong people to express their opinions freely, but not to prohibit such exercise of the rights to express our views. It would be unwise for the Central Government to use high-handed approach on the matter of political development as it will undermine Hong Kong people's trust towards the Central Government and their confidence in Hong Kong's future. Vice Chairman, Mr. Albert Ho, states that several legal experts, including some legal experts from the Mainland, have already reiterated that under the Basic Law universal suffrage of the SAR Chief Executive and the Legislative Councillors is allowed. The Standing Committee shall not erect other barriers to universal suffrage through the reinterpretation of the Basic Law as it would undermine the principle of "One Country, Two Systems". The Democratic Party calls on the Central Government to listen to the opinions of Hong Kong people and to respect their will. It should not interpret the Basic Law. Chairman of the Democratic Party, Yeung Sum
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