In a subsequent media briefing, Chief Executive Donald Tsang said he felt some regret about the postponement of discussions on electoral reform. He said he felt torn over what seemed the natural choice: to put the brakes on consultations about Hong Kong's future. But as statistics, week by week, revealed a deepening economic crisis, Tsang said he made up his mind. He assured the public that electoral reform remains a priority and that the delay would not affect the realization of universal suffrage.

The chief executive pointed out that there is enough time to implement amendments to the Basic Law. He predicted the process should take only about a year with local legislation to be completed by 2011.

He stressed his determination to achieve this objective and called upon the community to understand the urgency of the matter that led to the postponement.

He said he believed that he achieved a lot in bringing about a timetable and a road map leading to universal suffrage.

He vowed that if the going is still tough at the opening of the fourth quarter, the consultations will go ahead without further delay.

(HK Edition 01/16/2009 page1)