Chief Executive Donald Tsang yesterday said the 2007 and 2008 electoral arrangements would be more open, democratic, and marching towards the goal of universal suffrage.

While making this prediction, he called for efforts and compromises from Legislative Councillors to work out a mainstream constitutional reform package.

"Mr. Rafael Hui, (Chief Secretary for Administration) is working very hard to come up with a widely acceptable package," he told a media function in his official residence yesterday right after visiting residents in Shan Shui Po.

"We will listen to people's opinions and be highly transparent. As Mr. Hui is much wiser than I am, he will surely get hold of public opinions," said the casually-dressed chief executive, minus his familiar debonair bowtie.

Asked if he feared that constitutional reform would stand still, he said the whole of society should be responsible. He was also quick to amuse by asking: "Do you want me to resign?"

He added: "All members of the Legislative Council have to give out and make compromises. Mr. Hui will propose a package that will be accepted by LegCo, by me as chief executive and the National People's Congress.

"We hope the electoral arrangements for 2007 and 2008 will be more open, democratic, and moving towards the goal of universal suffrage. For example, the elector base of the Election Committee can be expanded from the current size of around 165,000."

The gathering yesterday was Tsang's first casual meeting with frontline reporters since the June election.

During these past two months, he has been busy preparing for the revamp of the Executive Council, Commission on Strategic Development and inputting ideas for the October policy address.

But life is full of surprises, he added, as there suddenly occurred the issues of the executive order for covert surveillance, as well as pork and eels from the mainland.

"The theme of the policy address will be based on better governance, social harmony and economic development," he said. "Since the length of my tenure is only two years, I will not do a lot of other things."

Tsang was asked if he would facilitate a meeting between Vice-President Zeng Qinghong and the legislators when Zeng comes to officiate at the opening of Disneyland next month.

He did not confirm nor deny news reports that the vice-president was coming, but said: "We are endeavouring to have a state leader to come and hope he will have the chance to communicate with more legislators."

When Tsang campaigned in June, he said he, if elected, he would consider cutting taxes. "We are still incurring a deficit," he said yesterday.

"But as the economy is improving, I think there is room for tax reduction but I will have to discuss this with Henry Tang, the financial secretary."

On the question of building the government headquarters on the Tamar site, he said the money was there, yet pending approval of the Legislative Council Finance Committee.

Tenders received last time have all lapsed, and it takes time to call tenders again. "Do you think I will delay? We will discuss with LegCo because they also want to have a new building on the same site," he said when asked if the government would be indecisive again.

(China Daily HK Edition August 23, 2005)