HK govt urges public to express views in peaceful manner

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said it respects residents' freedom and right of expression and has always encouraged the public to express their views through legal channels and in a peaceful manner.

In response to Tuesday's procession, the government said in a statement that if someone contravenes the law or breaches public order, law enforcement agencies will handle the situation in accordance with the law to ensure that law, order and public peace are maintained in Hong Kong.

Over 92,000 Hong Kong residents set off from Victoria Park on Tuesday afternoon for their final destination at Central, according to the police.

The HKSAR government also reiterated that political reform proposals should be strictly in accordance with the Basic Law and the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress's relevant interpretation and decisions.

On top of that, political reform proposals should be practical and practicable, and must have the probability of gaining community support and securing passage by a two-thirds majority of lawmakers.

Regarding the "civic nomination" proposal, the HKSAR government believes such a proposal is unlikely to be adopted because it will bypass or undermine the substantive powers of the nominating committee to nominate candidates.

In the statement, the government urges the public to forge consensus in a rational and pragmatic manner and on the basis of the Basic Law and the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress's relevant interpretation and decisions.

The statement also noted that a host of other public aspirations were expressed in today's procession and the government will continue to tackle various problems, including those related to economic development, housing, poverty, aging and the environment.