30 January 2004

The Hon Donald TSANG Yam Kuen, GBM, JP 
Chief Secretary for Administration's Office
12/F., West Wing, Central Government Offices
Lower Albert Road
Hong Kong


Dear Donald,

Thank you for your letter of 9 January 2004. 

The HKSAR Government has taken the right initiative in establishing a Task Force headed by yourself to examine major issues concerning our future constitutional development which will have significant implications on every aspect of Hong Kong. 

In the context of relevant provisions of the Basic Law and the Central People's Government's constitutional role in the subject, the Government must conduct a broad and real public consultation on the subject. 

For the purpose, the Government may consider setting up a Constitutional Review Consultative Committee comprising 1,000 or even up to 2,000 members nominated by all sectors of the community, which in a way is along the line of the former Basic Law Consultative Committee (1985-1990) of which I was a member representing the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. The consultation must be an in-depth one allowing a real discussion among members of the public on the future constitutional arrangement of Hong Kong. There must be no rush in the whole consultation exercise. It could last 1 to 2 years if necessary.

Meanwhile, I will be consulting my constituents on the subject from time to time and will relay their views to the Task Force accordingly.





(signed)
Dr the Honourable Raymond Ho Chung-tai