The Heung Yee Kuk has warned that prolonged disputes about patriotism will hinder constitutional development.
Lau Wong-fat, chairman of the rural affairs body, said that while he hoped there would be a consensus at some stage, the debate could not be allowed to affect the reform process.
When asked how he defined patriotism, Mr Lau said: 'I love my country, Hong Kong and my home town.
'But whether one is patriotic is something to be judged by others. You can't just proclaim yourself to be patriotic.'
Mr Lau met the government taskforce on constitutional development yesterday with other representatives of the Heung Yee Kuk.
The rural group's chairman said the Basic Law was enacted to provide effective governance and to maintain prosperity and stability in the city.
