When it comes to advancing democratic development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), mainstream public opinion and residents' welfare should be given careful consideration.
The HKSAR government on Wednesday unveiled a constitutional development package, marking an important step toward "one person, one vote" universal suffrage in the election of the region's next chief executive in 2017.
However, a handful of HKSAR legislators are threatening to veto the plan, which will be brought to the HKSAR Legislative Council for a vote in June.
Their attitude runs counter to the will of most Hong Kong residents and has cast a shadow on the region's constitutional development.
According to several recent public polls conducted by multiple organizations in Hong Kong, such as the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong United Youth Association and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, more than 60 percent of Hong Kong residents agree that selection of the region's chief executive should follow the principles set in the Basic Law and the decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature.
Over 70 percent said they expect a universal suffrage election in 2017.
The majority of those surveyed called on the region's legislators to comply with public opinion and give the reform plan a green light.
The HKSAR government also released a report on the second round of public consultation on constitutional development, held from January to March of this year, which included voices from all walks of life in the region.
The region's authorities have given proper consideration to public opinion and the region's democratic needs under the rule of law, and this process serves as a solid legal basis for a legitimate, rational and practical reform plan.
By contrast, the lawmakers who vowed to reject the plan are turning a deaf ear to mainstream public voices and, through their "democratic" harangues, they are jeopardizing the region's opportunity for democratic progress.
A veto to the reform plan may severely hold back democratic development in Hong Kong, posing challenges for the region's economic and social development as well.
Therefore, it is fair to doubt the motive for opposing the plan. Is it for the welfare and long-term development of the region and its residents, or is it for the political interests of a small group of people?
It is also evident that instead of trying to unite Hong Kong for all residents' rights and interests, those who oppose the plan are attempting to divide and manipulate public opinion for their own benefit.
Confrontation is not good for Hong Kong's development, and people and parties should carefully weigh public opinion and the region's long-term welfare to make the right decision.
