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Tsang is accused of sidelining opponents

Donald Tsang
Jimmy Cheung

The chief executive has been accused of marginalising opponents who refuse to rubber-stamp his favourite policies.

Independent legislator Kwok Ka-ki said Donald Tsang Yam-kuen was trying to undermine the Legislative Council to strengthen his own popularity, a strategy he said reflected the lack of confidence in his rule.

'Mr Tsang lacks the mandate which allows him to rule confidently,' said Dr Kwok, referring to the chief executive's election by the 800-member Election Committee last year. Tension arose after Mr Tsang accused some lawmakers of opposing for opposition's sake.

He said their opposition was aimed at undermining the government's authority, and such action was not underpinned by reason. He has also said he had closer relations with the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) and the Liberal Party.

Dr Kwok, speaking on RTHK's Letter to Hong Kong yesterday, said voters did not elect their representatives to rubber-stamp government projects and policies.

He said Mr Tsang was forcing the legislature to surrender its duty of checks and balances.

'[Mr Tsang] told us to show only support and not opposition ... and not to query projects hand-picked by him to demonstrate his strong governance. By accusing the political parties and legislators of not endorsing his favourite policies, Mr Tsang was able to undermine the authority of Legco members.'

Dr Kwok, the medical representative affiliated with the Democratic Party and its allies, also asked if Mr Tsang was sincere in fostering deep relations with the DAB and the Liberals.

A government spokesman said the administration respected the roles and functions of Legco set out in the Basic Law. The spokesman said he hoped lawmakers would act according to public opinion, as the government did.

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