HEADS of the political sub-group of the Preliminary Working Committee (PWC) for Hong Kong's future government have failed to convince members to top their agenda with a discussion on the formation of the 1997 legislature.
Sources said members thought it too sensitive to treat the issue as top priority in the face of ongoing political talks between China and Britain on political reform in the territory.
They wanted to keep it unchanged, as the second item on their work plan, the source said. The relationship between the executive and legislative branches will stay as the first item.
The proposal to place the 1997 legislature at the top of the list was put forward by co-convenors Xiao Weiyun and Leung Chun-ying. Emerging from the first day of discussions, Mr Xiao admitted there were differing opinions among members.
''On the order of the items, some members felt a certain topic could be discussed at an earlier time, while some felt it could be discussed later,'' he said.
But Mr Xiao stressed they had all agreed to include the 1997 legislature in their working plan.