First, which journalist you are refering to? Please privide name. Is it Mallet?
I really can't comment until we know who we talk about.
Second, "the universal suffrage" that "people talk about". Well, i'm not sure what is your social circle. But people I know usually have nothing to say...... because there is nothing to be said!
People who usually harping about it are the very same people out on the street of Hong Kong now rioting, beating and disturbing other peoples freedom to go about their business!
So let me answer that qustion by asking you a question. Do you believe that China promised "universal suffrage"?
Actually, judging by the way you proposed the question, I think I know what the answer is going to be. But be that as it may, I'll link a BBC's view (now that's a news/current affair source you must trust, right)!
So even the BBC have said that China has stuck to the letter of the joint declaration, and in it no universal suffrage was ever promised! They did went on to say, maybe China did not act within the spirit of the declaration! lol. I could argue that too, but I supposed I should let them have that one in the SPIRIT of goodwill to all man! Lol