An estimate that it would take at least 15 months to prepare procedures for amending the Basic Law was attacked as being far too long by Democratic Party chief Martin Lee Chu-ming yesterday.
Acting Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Clement Mak Ching-hung said between 15 and 22 months would be needed for the SAR side alone to complete its procedures.
Mr Lee accused the Government of dragging its feet, saying that a framework had already been spelt out.
'It only takes weeks to get the [National People's Congress] to reinterpret the Basic Law. Now we are told it is a matter of years to sort out the steps of amending it,' he said.
Mr Mak told members of the Legco constitutional affairs panel yesterday that discussions with Beijing were under way.
Preliminary views would be reported to the Executive Council and the Legislative Council, followed by a three- to four-month public consultation.