To the Editor:

Re “Protecting Hong Kong’s Autonomy” (editorial, April 5):

The Basic Law prescribes the methods for selecting the chief executive and provides for the attainment of the ultimate aims of selecting the chief executive by universal suffrage. In 2007, the Chinese central government provided a clear timetable for universal suffrage for electing the chief executive in 2017, proof that the Chinese central government is genuine about bringing universal suffrage and full democracy to Hong Kong.

Under the Basic Law, the Nominating Committee will be broadly representative and will select candidates through democratic procedures. The composition of the Nominating Committee and the democratic procedures to be adopted are the subjects of a public consultation that is in full swing.

We must stress that the universal suffrage to be implemented will be genuine in every sense.

NICK AU YEUNG

Assistant Director (Media)

Chief Executive’s Office, Hong Kong

Special Administrative Region

Hong Kong, April 7, 2014