Basic Law report may stay secret

A report on Hong Kong's implementation of the Basic Law 10 years since the handover will be compiled by the Basic Law Committee to mark the occasion, but it has still to be decided if it will be released to the public.

Basic Law Committee vice-chairwoman Elsie Leung Oi-sie said the report was a 'gift for the 10th anniversary of the handover'.

She said there were some concerns about publishing the report, but noted that many people hoped it would be available to the public. 'I hope that it can be open [for the public],' she told a media gathering.

While saying the committee would not take the initiative in organising celebration activities for the handover anniversary, she said it might take part in them if invited. She also described new committee member Lau Nai-keung, who is a delegate to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, as 'outspoken'.

Miss Leung did not respond directly to media reports that the Basic Law Committee might undergo a major reshuffle in view of its ageing members.

There has been speculation that Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, associate dean of City University's faculty of law, might be appointed for the next five-year term starting in March next year. But Miss Leung declined to comment on this.