Rita Fan takes leaf from comedian, tells combatants to cool it

While his more conservative detractors often deride comedian Stephen Chow Sing-chi's films as 'no-brainers', his fans have long argued that his oeuvre reflects a deeper analysis of Hong Kong society and pop culture than his slapstick appearance suggests.

Yesterday the wisdom of his most iconic saying was endorsed by the president of the Legislative Council, Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, when she offered it as advice to lawmakers and senior government officials as a way of improving their relationship.

'Why not sit down, have a cup of tea, eat a bun, chat at length,' she suggested, echoing Chow's famous words in the TVB series Final Combat.

Mrs Fan said she had emphasised for years that the level of trust between the government, officials and certain lawmakers was low and that communication needed improving.

'Principal officials think that lawmakers only ever criticise and never offer anything constructive. Lawmakers think the officials never listen to their suggestions,' she said.

'The worst is when you only see things from your own perspective and fail to realise the other's difficulties.'

She said if each side heeded Chow's advice, she hoped they would realise they were trying to achieve the same objectives.

She agreed that the current political structure, where the executive is not supported by a party in the legislature and where lawmakers have no real say in policymaking, was partly to blame for the poor relationship between the executive and the legislature.

'The only thing we can do for the time being is to improve communication.'

The Hong Kong public will enjoy Mrs Fan's trademark non-confrontational style for one more year only, after she announced on Tuesday she would not stand for election in 2008.

'What new ideas can I offer the Legco and the public? I think it's time Legco was revitalised, and at the same time I can leave with some beautiful memories.'

Chow was propelled to fame in Final Combat - a martial arts parody where the cowardly hero would rather resolve things over a bun and tea, than risk harm in a swordfight.