HONG KONG - Different sectors of Hong Kong society have hailed the decision made by the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee on Sunday which granted universal suffrage in the selection of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s chief executive.

The decision is entitled "Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Issues Relating to the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by Universal Suffrage and on the Method for Forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Year 2016."

CY Leung, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, told the media that official and non-official members of the Executive Council support the decision, and "the HKSAR government and I will follow-up vigorously in order to ensure the continued democratic development of Hong Kong that the chief executive elected through 'one person, one vote' by 5 million eligible voters."

Leung said the decision has laid down a clear framework on the specific methods for selecting the chief executive by universal suffrage from 2017 onward. The HKSAR government will launch the second round of public consultation as soon as possible.

The decision is not the final step, Leung said, adding that "to put the decision into implementation, we need to obtain a two-thirds majority support from all members of the Legislative Council."

"We cannot afford a standstill in our constitutional development or else the prosperity or stability of Hong Kong will be at stake. All Hong Kong people, irrespective of their political affiliations, should come together with one heart, one vision, to take forward the democratic development of Hong Kong, and to implement universal suffrage."

"We should cherish the rights to historically elect our chief executive through 'one person, one vote,' and express our opinions peacefully, rationally and legally,"he said.

Hong Kong's former chief secretary, Tang Ying-yen, said he supports the decision and hopes that the second round of public consultation will be launched at an early date.

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) Chairman YK Pang said that Hong Kong people wish to implement universal suffrage as soon as possible, and "it will be a historic milestone for Hong Kong if we can elect our ideal leader in 2017 through'one person, one vote.'"

The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) appealed to all sectors of Hong Kong to put away prejudices and seek for consensus to implement universal suffrage and promote the democratic development of Hong Kong.

The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA) thought the decision made a clear framework for Hong Kong's constitutional reform, and it is helpful for the Hong Kong government and different sectors to practically accelerate the process of democracy.

Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), the biggest political party in Hong Kong, said the decision is an important step of Hong Kong's constitutional reform, and it avails the society to concentrate on discussion and build consensus.

DAB added that they agreed that the chief executive should be someone who loves the country and Hong Kong for which the decision provided an institutional guarantee.