Beijing's interpretation of electoral provisions in the Basic Law helps resolve disputes and paves the way for future political reform in Hong Kong.

Peter Wong, a local deputy to the National People's Congress, said the interpretation could put an end to quarrels over constitutional reform as it contains the clear message that the central government has the final say in changing the electoral methods of the chief executive and Legislative Council (LegCo).

Hong Kong people will become more aware of "one country" after the NPC Standing Committee interpretation, Wong told China Daily. "As long as we consider the political reform from the 'one country' perspective, we can have a more smooth discussion on the issue," he said.

Tsang Hin-chi, a member of the NPCSC, said in Beijing yesterday that the interpretation was "mild and clear". He urged Hong Kong people to set store by the overall interests of the city and not to blindly oppose the interpretation.

Ma Lik, chairman of the Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong, said the interpretation has taken into account the views of the Hong Kong community and the Task Force on Constitutional Development. It has helped clarify the grey areas concerning electoral provisions in the Basic Law.

"We consider the interpretation as fair, legal and reasonable," he said.

He hoped the chief executive would fully consult Hong Kong people before submitting the report on proposals to change electoral methods to the NPCSC. In this way, local citizens would be involved in the political-reform process from the very beginning.

Albert Chan, a member of the Basic Law Committee, said the NPCSC interpretation is lenient and it was conducted in accordance with the spirit of "One Country, Two Systems".

The interpretation clearly states the roles of the central government and the SAR government in Hong Kong's political reform. It also makes clear that the SAR government has the power to initiate the changes of electoral methods, he said.

Chan added that the NPCSC move is not an amendment of the mini-constitution.

Wong Kwong-hon, honorable chairman of Fukien Chamber of Community, said the chamber, on behalf of 1.1 million Hong Kong citizens with Fujian links, supported the NPCSC interpretation as it could ease social strife after clarifying the principles and the procedures related to political reform.

David O'Rear, chief economist of Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, said he did not think the NPCSC interpretation would hinder the flow of foreign investment into Hong Kong.

"We have more democracy than most other Asian countries, plus many overseas companies are very active throughout the region," Reuters quoted O'Rear as saying.

On the other hand, the Democratic Party said that the NPCSC interpretation had set up hurdles in Hong Kong's constitutional development.

The Hong Kong Bar Association said that from the common law point of view, the NPCSC had already gone beyond the scope of the interpretation, which was equal to amending the Basic Law.

(China Daily HK Edition April 7, 2004)