Decision could harm mutual respect, says Beijing adviser
CHIEF Justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang's ruling on mainland children could harm the mutual respect between Beijing and Hong Kong, outspoken pro-Beijing figure Raymond Wu Wai-yung warned yesterday.
Dr Wu, a member of the committee which advises Beijing on how to interpret the Basic Law, said the mainland had the right to 'manage its people'.
'And it includes the right to leave of those who might become permanent Hong Kong residents in the future,' he said on yesterday's RTHK radio programme Hong Kong Letter.
'But the ruling says people do not need to wait for one-way permits to come,' Dr Wu said, renewing his attack on the Court of Final Appeal ruling.
He said the Court of Final Appeal was only a local court and it was wrong for it to treat itself as the Privy Council. He also challenged Mr Justice Li for interpreting the Basic Law by common law principles.
Beijing would not have to observe a local court's ruling but it could harm the mutual respect between the central Government and the SAR.
The spirit of the Basic Law was to require mainlanders to apply for permits before coming to Hong Kong to control the population, he said.
Dr Wu's previous criticism of the ruling led to the Democratic Party demanding he resign.
