HK commemorates 25th anniversary of Basic Law

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying speaks at a seminar for the 25th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law in Hong Kong, April 4, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

A seminar was held to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Basic Law in Hong Kong on April 4, in an aim to deepen public knowledge and understanding of the mini constitution in the Chinese Special Administrative Region.

The Basic Law was adopted on April 4th 25 years ago and came into effect when China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong on July 1, 1997.

It enshrines the principle of "one country, two systems", and provides the legal basis to all public policies and practices in the Special Administrative Region.

The Chief Secretary and Chairperson of the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee Carrie Lam says the Basic Law still plays a crucial role in today's Hong Kong.

"The Basic Law has been implemented for nearly 18 years, which guarantees Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and lays a solid foundation for future progress. It also protects citizens' rights and freedom."

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung says it is meaningful to review the drafting and implementation process of the Basic Law.

"Some people question the power of the central government, the Hong Kong SAR government, and the universal suffrage, in fact, these issues had been comprehensively discussed and carefully studied thirty years ago during drafting and consultations. The details have been written into the Basic Law 25 years ago. What we should do today is not to follow our imagination and our ideals, but to implement policies based on the Basic Law."

At the same time, the Dean of the School of Law of Tsinghua University, Professor Wang Zhenmin, says the Basic Law should be cherished and protected by the people in Hong Kong.

"It is often said that laws are cruel, but during my studies on the Basic Law for the past twenty years, I feel that it is full of emotions. Every word and every policy shows the deep affection and care of Hong Kong from the central government, the country, as well as all Chinese people."

As part of the highlight of the celebration, an exhibition is open to the public in Hong Kong from Saturday, featuring valuable exhibits and photographs, including wax figures of then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping meeting with late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for the negotiation of Hong Kong's future in Beijing in 1982.

The exhibition is to introduce the historical background of the Basic Law and its drafting, promulgation and successful implementation to enhance the public's understanding of its contents and provisions.