TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) on Friday (March 12) admitted that the "one country, two systems" formula proposed by Beijing is a thing of the past as he voiced regret over China's plan to change Hong Kong's electoral system.

On Thursday (March 11), China's National People's Congress (NPC) approved a comprehensive plan to rewrite the election rules in Hong Kong and ensure the territory's legislature is filled strictly with "patriots." Many international analysts see the move as a response to the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

While attending a commemorative event for Republic of China founder Sun Yat-sen (孫中山) on Friday, Ma called the NPC's decision "regrettable." He added that the proposed changes have put an end to the "one country, two systems" formula agreed to by the U.K. and China in 1984.

"In other words, one country, two systems is officially dead," he said.

Meanwhile, Johnny Chiang (江啟臣), chair of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, also expressed regret over the latest development in Hong Kong. He said that Beijing is unlikely to win over residents of the former British colony unless it allows a high degree of autonomy and democracy.