Former chief secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang (left) yesterday urged the public 'not to give up' in the fight for democracy, and said the national legislature's decision to rule out early universal suffrage had undermined confidence in Hong Kong's autonomy.
Her remarks came as politicians, academics and leading lawyers said they would continue to seek direct election of the chief executive in 2007 and all legislators in 2008. Some said they would not consider government proposals for anything less.
Mrs Chan said the public 'should continue to express [its] views in a rational and peaceful manner' and engage in 'constructive dialogue' with Beijing. The Hong Kong government should act to restore confidence, she added, and 'start considering how to consult the public in a sincere manner' about the arrangements for the 2007 election.
Members of the Article 45 Concern Group - a group of leading barristers understood to be on better terms with Beijing than their colleagues in the pro-democracy camp - said the fight for democracy should be conducted on the streets and in the September Legco election.
Two members, Ronnie Tong Ka-wah and Alan Leong Kah-kit, said the public should take to the streets on July 1 to press their demands.
Fellow group member Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee said it would listen to government proposals on reform, but would not itself propose anything short of universal suffrage.
