Move to strengthen role of HK delegates
The Hong Kong government and the central government's liaison office have agreed to strengthen the role of local delegates to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, according to a delegate.
It has also been agreed that the government be allowed to nominate deputies to the conference, said Chan Kam-lam, also a legislator of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong.
Mr Chan quoted liaison office deputy director Li Guikang as announcing the move in a closed-door meeting during the conference's annual plenary session in Beijing.
At present, Hong Kong members of the CPPCC are nominated by the liaison office.
'The right to nomination has been within the state's power. Giving the SAR the chance to recommend candidates is a good move to strengthen mutual trust between the two places,' Mr Chan said.
While the government would be invited to propose names, the central authorities would make the appointments, he added.
A government spokesman said the Hong Kong administration had been discussing with the liaison office ways to strengthen communication with National People's Congress deputies and CPPCC delegates.
