Political deadlock needs to be broken
In just over three weeks Hong Kong will mark 15 years under Chinese rule. Coincidentally, the city's leadership will change too, bringing hope of new directions, better governance and a brighter future. The air of optimism, however, is noticeably waning as the clock ticks rapidly towards July 1. The outgoing and incoming administrations appear to be in limbo amid intensifying politicking by lawmakers. The situation has left many frustrated, if not disheartened.
Mixed factors have contributed to the current stalemate. With the Legislative Council's four-year term coming to an end in the summer, it is not unusual to see a backlog of outstanding bills and policy proposals waiting for approval. But it also means more hurdles for the government as lawmakers seeking re-election in September are likely to step up political theatrics to win publicity and voters' support.
The situation this year has been further compounded by the leadership change, with incoming leader Leung Chun-ying determined to push for funding approval to appoint a bigger ruling team. The pan-democratic camp is tabling more than 900 motions challenging Leung's restructuring plan. As pan-democrats remain a minority in Legco, the government can often bulldoze its legislation through. But recent incidents show the proceedings can also be painfully slow - the pan-democrats' filibustering tactics against the contentious by-election bill is an example.
Arguably, the wrangling in Legco is part of the political process and falls within the rules. But it does raise concerns over governance and efficiency if the situation deteriorates.
The transition from Donald Tsang Yam-kuen to Leung, the first genuine power transfer since the handover, has proved to be more challenging than expected. In the coming weeks, Tsang is expected to keep his head down as the pressure to oust him in the wake of his dealings with tycoons and extravagant overseas trips intensifies. That leaves Leung fighting alone to get his full team in office by July 1. The latest twist saw Leung giving up an eight per cent pay rise for his team to help smooth the restructuring. But the pan-democrats remain unconvinced, claiming the pay freeze did not go far enough.
It seems certain that the new leader will not enjoy any honeymoon period. It is imperative for him to restore public confidence in the government as soon as possible. Speaking in an interview with this paper, Leung attributed the record high levels of public dissatisfaction with the government to 4Ds - disfranchise, disengage, distrust and disown. He said he would reach out to the people and roll out measures when ready, instead of waiting until his first policy address in October.
Hong Kong cannot afford to be bogged down by political wrangling. There is a need to break the deadlock and move on.
