Local delegates can only 'advise' on HK

The role of local delegates in the nation's top political advisory body was simply to provide suggestions on Hong Kong affairs, a mainland official said yesterday.

Any involvement in the city's internal affairs was done purely in their individual capacities, said the deputy director of the central government's liaison office in Hong Kong, Li Guikang .

His comments followed remarks last week by Jia Qinglin , chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), on the role of local deputies.

Mr Jia had called on them to play a more active role in the city's political life - comments seen by democrats as an invitation for mainland intervention in Hong Kong's internal affairs.

Mr Li met local delegates and emphasised the CPPCC was not an advisory body to the Hong Kong government and that their role was simply to provide suggestions.

'[They] strengthen the work of the CPPCC ... They can give advice but not create problems. CPPCC members have to perform their jobs but not criticise the government,' he said.

Mr Li also explained that the major functions of CPPCC members were not applicable to Hong Kong because the city was ruled under the principle of 'one country, two systems', and 'Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong'.

'As a CPPCC member, the main responsibility is to participate in the country's major issues. It is their duty to exercise political consultation, democratic supervision and participate in deliberating and administration of state affairs. These are applicable to the mainland,' Mr Li said.

'Hong Kong does not implement a political consultative system. The CPPCC delegates are elites from various sectors who are enthusiastic in working for the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong ... They work for Hong Kong in their individual capacity.'