Following my announcement in July 2006 that I intend to form a Core Group to assist me in mapping out a strategy for taking forward the debate on constitutional reforms, I am delighted to announce that six members have joined the Group. They are all well-respected members of the community with proven records of public service in their respective professions. We all share a common vision of promoting good governance through political reforms.

My intention has been to select a group with a broad range of relevant experience in government, business and academia. At the same time I have also placed priority on identifying like-minded individuals of integrity and commitment to Hong Kong: persons on whom I know I can rely to provide me with their honest and impartial views and counsel.

The main focus of the Core Group will be to engage the Hong Kong public in a rational debate of issues related to political and constitutional reforms in the overall context of good governance, free from partisan politics. Hopefully, through this process, we can formulate a set of proposals and a road map that will enable universal suffrage to be achieved in full compliance with the Basic Law. Our wish is to play a constructive role in helping to shape the constitutional reform agenda.

Anson Chan