Hong Kong Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam said on September 26 the government will pursue three main directions to strengthen the working relationship with the new Legislative Council (LegCo).

Addressing a forum, he said "firstly, principal officials will review their working priorities to tie in with the overall policy agenda of the government as mentioned above".

"We hope to provide the public with a clear policy agenda. We will also ensure better coordination between different policy areas and avoid overloading the community with too many controversial issues at any one time.

"Secondly, whenever practicable, we will consult LegCo members on new government proposals as early as possible so that their views will have been taken into account in the process of policy formulation.

"Thirdly, we will adopt an inclusive lobbying strategy in that we will try to lobby for the support of all LegCo members, irrespective of their political background".

Lam said that the government's strategy was not only to win enough votes to ensure the passage of the government bills or budgetary proposals, but to ensure that government proposals had broad-based support within and outside the legislature.

The term of office of the new LegCo members will begin on Oct. 1, 2004, and last for four years.

Source: Xinhua