Universal suffrage is HK goal: top legislator

The ultimate aim of political system development in Hong Kong is implementing universal suffrage, Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said on Tuesday.

Meeting with a delegation of security units of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Zhang said that democracy will be put forward actively, steadily and appropriately in Hong Kong, in accordance with the Basic Law and resolutions of the NPC, working toward universal suffrage.

Hong Kong needs a stable and harmonious social environment for developing the economy and improving people's lives, carrying out political reform and promoting democracy, which is the fundamental interest of Hong Kong people, he said.

In the meeting, the top legislator spoke highly of the SAR's success in maintaining a prosperous and stable situation ever since China resumed exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997. He attributed it to a "substantial implementation" of the principle of "One country, two systems" and the Basic Law of the HKSAR.

The central authority is satisfied with the work of the HKSAR Government and its new chief executive Leung Chun-ying, said Zhang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau.

Zhang described Leung's team as "working hard to develop the economy, improve people's lives, focusing on current issues while planning for long-run issues, maintaining stability while seeking progress, being practical and making achievements."

The status of Hong Kong depends on its economic development, and it is the SAR Government's primary job to maintain economic prosperity, he stressed.

In his speech, Zhang reiterated the stance of the central authority on the development of political system of Hong Kong, saying that its principal stance is persistent and clear, namely the development must adhere to the principles of "One country, two systems," "Hong Kong People governing Hong Kong," and a high degree of autonomy.

The top lawmaker praised the HKSAR's security units for their role in safeguarding national and regional security as well as Hong Kong's law governance, social stability and serving local residents. He urged security departments of Hong Kong and the inland to step up exchanges and cooperation, and "make new, greater contributions to promoting the undertaking of 'One country, two systems.'"

Zhang also informed the visitors of the development of national political and law-governance systems.