HONG KONG, Jan. 1 -- Major political groups in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) have said that they support the decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, on HKSAR's constitutional development, noting that it accords with laws and serves the long-term interests of Hong Kong.

    The NPC Standing Committee made the decision after it had taken full account of the report on Hong Kong's constitutional development submitted by HKSAR Chief Executive and the actual situation of Hong Kong, said Tam Yiu-chung, chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong ( DAB), the largest political group in Hong Kong.

    "Therefore, DAB supports the decision," he said, urging people from different ranks to end disputes and seek consensus for the gradual realization of universal suffrage in Hong Kong.

    On Saturday, the NPC Standing Committee made a decision in Beijing on the constitutional development of the HKSAR, which said that the election of the fifth HKSAR Chief Executive in the year 2017 may be implemented by the method of universal suffrage.

    The decision also said that after the Chief Executive is selected by universal suffrage, the election of HKSAR Legislative Council may be implemented by the method of electing all the members by universal suffrage.

    "The clarification of a universal suffrage timetable by the NPC Standing Committee put Hong Kong's constitutional development on a stable path and also accords with the aspiration of Hong Kong society," said Tian Pei-chun, chairman of the Liberal Party.

    "With the clear timetable, all political groups should take advantage of the time left to make solid preparations and join efforts with different sectors to push for the realization of universal suffrage in time, he said.

    The decision by the NPC Standing Committee is a sincere and active response to the wishes of Hong Kong people and balances the interests of all sides concerned, said Cheng Yiu-tong, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions.

    "It is pragmatic and conducive to the long-term development of Hong Kong. It is a milestone in Hong Kong's constitutional development," he said.

    Major social groups in Hong Kong also expressed their support to the national legislature's decision.

    In a statement, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce said that it supports the NPC Standing Committee's decision and called on all sectors and political groups to push for the realization of universal suffrage in a rational and pragmatic manner.