Macau casino tycoon urges public support for Hong Kong reform - Sunday 27th of November 2005
Macau casino tycoon Stanley Ho Hung-sun appealed for public support of the Hong Kong governments constitutional reform proposals, criticising calls by democrats for a protest against the plan.
In a half-page ad published in several Chinese-language broadsheets on Friday -- his 84th birthday, Ho said the government recognised popular demand for full democracy in the territory but needed time to work out a timetable.
"Such is the right attitude that should be taken by a responsible government. Why repeatedly doubt this or even decide the government does not have the sincerity to implement universal suffrage?" he said in the ad entitled "Ho Hung-suns Birthday Wish" -- for the success of the reform package.
"Although the proposal did not clearly state a timetable for universal suffrage or a roadmap, the government led by chief executive Donald Tsang has repeatedly stressed that it understands the peoples hopes to see direct elections as quickly as possible."
Hong Kong was handed back in 1997 to China with a guarantee in the Basic Law, the post-colonial constitution, that universal suffrage is the ultimate political goal, although it is vague on when citizens will be allowed full democracy.
Last April, Beijing ruled out direct elections by 2007, when the citys leader must be elected. That prompted half a million people to pour into the streets in a peaceful protest.
Tsangs reform package, unveiled last month, was opposed by all 25 pro-democracy lawmakers. They vowed to block the plan, which needs two-thirds of votes in the 60-member Legislative Council to pass next month.
Democrats are organising what they hope will be a large-scale protest on December 4 but that was also criticised by Ho.
He said the reform package had the support of the majority of the citizens, and questioned the motives of democrats to make such a "confrontational move".
Ho said the protest could turn violent, fearing this would "seriously attack" the international reputation of Hong Kong and affect the confidence of foreign investors in the former British colony.
"Today is my 84th birthday ... I sincerely hope that ... everyone would unite and build a harmonious, stable and prosperous Hong Kong," Ho said.
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