The hard work over the past two years, of intensive and widespread consultation and of putting the proposals together, will be lost. Worse, the mutual trust we have taken pains to build between the central government and ourselves, the trust we need to take our democratization forward, will dissipate.

I understand it is bad politics to cut spending or raise taxes. So you pray and pray that this is not dangerous, and as long as nothing happens in your term, it's okay.

We and our mainland compatriots are of the same blood. We share a common interest and destiny. We ride on the same boat.

Both the central government and this administration are actively leading this community towards universal suffrage in an orderly fashion. I am 60 years of age. I certainly want to see universal suffrage taking place in Hong Kong in my time.

Through communication there will be trust. and with trust it will be possible to discuss problems of mutual interest with more tolerance and more understanding.

The aim is to enhance among our youths the understanding of our country's aerospace technology development and enable them to learn from the scientists and astronauts the spirit of perseverance.

In order to reach universal suffrage, we have to build trust.

Strong government is a prerequisite for economic development.

There is little scope for me to change [the proposals]. But I hope that within what little scope I have, I will see what I can do to perfect the package. But it will be of limited scale and it will not affect the timetable for resolution of this matter in the Legislative Council [on December 21]. Nor will it itself produce quickly a timetable that is not achievable.