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Seminar on Constitutional Development
(11 June 2004)
Group Discussion Summaries
White Group: Dr Philemon Choi
(Translation)
Method for Selecting the Chief Executive
The Number of Members of the Election Committee
The Composition of the Election Committee
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Many participants were of the view that the representativeness of the subsectors could be broadened. However, some participants pointed out the constraint of the subsectors, for example, the subsectors could only represent the interests of their respective subsectors and did not necessarily represent the interests of Hong Kong people as a whole.
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Some participants from the commercial and business sectors opined that their sectors should be better represented since Hong Kong was an economic city.
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Some participants from the professional sector thought that the voice of the professionals was important, because Hong Kong was also a city of professionals.
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There was a view that the grassroot sector was not well represented in the Election Committee. There was another view that the representation of the middle class was inadequate.
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There was a view suggesting that a subsector for housewives should be introduced.
The Delineation and Size of the Electorate of the Election Committee
Method for Forming the Legislative Council
The Number of Seats Returned by Functional Constituencies
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Generally speaking, many participants hoped that the number of seats returned from functional constituencies could be increased (which meant that the seats returned from geographical constituencies would also be increased correspondingly).
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Those who held an opposite view pointed out that functional constituencies had two limitations. First, many representatives of the functional constituencies were not able to represent the view of the general public, but only their respective functional sectors. Second, a participant mentioned several times that members who returned from functional constituencies had a
"veto power" in the Legislative Council.
The Delineation and Size of the Electorate of Legislative Council Functional Constituencies
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Participants proposed the introduction of some new functional constituencies, representing mothers, cultural and arts, logistics and shipping. There was also a view that the sports subsector should have its own independent seat.
Others
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Participants hoped that Legislative Council Members, no matter whether they were returned from geographical constituencies or functional constituencies, could widely represent the voice of the general public, and not just the interests of the minority.
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There was a view that the right to exercise the "veto power" by Legislative Council Members from the functional constituencies should be restricted so that it would not pose an obstacle when motions have to be passed.
Other Views
Principle
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Participants considered that there should be greater participation and representativeness in the method for the selection of the Chief Executive and the formation of the Legislative Council. There should be balanced participation and voices which represent the general public.
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Participants generally hoped that the method for the selection of the Chief Executive and the formation of the Legislative Council would progress gradually towards universal suffrage in a rational and step by step manner.
Relationship Between the Executive and the Legislature
Supporting "Software"
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The question of supporting "software" was raised by some participants in this and the last seminar. They pointed out that apart from the election methods, supporting "software", such as the grooming of political talents, should not be overlooked.
(Please refer to the video recording for the floor speech.)
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