Political Reform

201.     Finally, on the political front, there has been intense debate in the community since reunification on the subject of universal suffrage.  Now that the timetable is fixed, differences in public opinion are gradually narrowing.  We should allow democracy to take root in Hong Kong, maintain high administrative efficiency and build consensus in the community.  To this end, we need to focus our thinking and design a suitable political system accordingly.  Matters to consider include the role of political groups, the relationship between the executive authorities and the legislature, the nurturing of political talent and political ethics.  We also have to safeguard our core values of solving problems rationally and respecting one another.  At the same time, with a humble spirit, we should study and compare the experiences of other democratic countries in implementing their democratic systems.

202.     As for administrative reform, the global political and economic landscape is undergoing revolutionary changes.  People are expecting their governments to do more.  Here in Hong Kong, we have introduced the political accountability system to respond more swiftly to public aspirations.  We need to review our administrative system to ensure it is compatible with future democratic development.  Aspects to be considered include the definition of the roles and responsibilities of political appointees and civil servants; establishment and mobility; allocation of financial, manpower and land resources within the Government and the relevant procedures; further devolution of powers to district administration; division of work among heads of bureaux and their subordinate departments; and arrangements for policy formulation, advocacy and consultation.

203.     Like other governments around the world, we are facing another unprecedented political challenge, which is the changing political landscape arising from the popularisation of online social media.  The traditional channel of political participation in Hong Kong has been through the system of representative government, under which representatives of public opinion returned by elections are empowered to participate in policy formulation.  With the emergence of new online networks, the younger generation now expresses their political views and participates in politics through social action.  These online networks and youth-driven social action are transforming the conventional, mainstream political ecology.  It is imperative for the Government to address the diverse demands of young people and improve communication with them.  We are still exploring the way forward.

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