Breaking taboos vital for sake of harmony
Both sides need to confront political differences
Guangdong party chief Zhang Dejiang may have ditched his script when addressing the Legco delegation yesterday - but not before memorising his lines.
The first of a two-day ice-breaking trip by lawmakers to Guangdong unfolded largely according to script.
Democrats, the stars of the show because of their longtime feud with mainland authorities, generally showed restraint, ensuring their first dialogue with communist cadres did not turn into a shouting match.
'Long Hair' Leung Kwok-hung managed to reiterate a call for universal suffrage and the reversal of the verdict on the June 4 crackdown at the meeting with Mr Zhang after a hassle with officials over a T-shirt he was wearing.
These contentious issues were raised by several democrats and brought about some tense moments during the landmark meeting. But this is only to be expected. Political differences on such issues as June 4 and democratisation are by no means minor discord.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Zhang put aside his written speech, saying he wanted candid communication. His words contained no surprises, however. He stuck to the theme of the common destiny shared by Guangdong and Hong Kong, and underscored the importance of seeking common ground on broad issues while accommodating differences on small matters.
Critics may dismiss the democrats' subsequent moves to raise the thorny issues as a political gesture that might needlessly provoke Beijing. But breaking the taboo against talking about sensitive issues will have profound implications for political dialogue in the long run.
Such dialogue has been long overdue. It is the price Beijing must be prepared to pay for engaging with the democrats for the sake of harmony, unity and stability.
Barred from visiting the mainland since 1989, many democrats may feel culture shock when they see the changes in Guangdong. The visit will also be a learning curve for mainland officials seeking to build a workable relationship with Hong Kong's dissenting political voices.
Allowing legislators to get first-hand information of the developments in Guangdong will help promote cross-border co-operation on economic and livelihood issues.
The trip will have even greater value if the first dialogue between the democrats and Beijing inspires changes in mindset and approach that will allow both sides to confront and deal with political differences.
