Global chamber criticises scrapping of by-elections
The government will undermine democracy as guaranteed by the Basic Law if it scraps Legco by-elections, the Hong Kong chapter of the International Chamber of Commerce has warned.
In a strongly-worded submission, the chamber said the government's consultation paper on how to fill mid-term vacancies on the Legislative Council if by-elections were scrapped conveyed the impression that the official position was biased.
'We are of the view that a by-election is a constitutional right and should not be tinkered with lightly,' the chamber said in its submission.
'Does the administration suggest that human rights can be pared to fit the administration's view of public spending? We do not see a need for tampering with by-elections, and the options [provided in the consultation paper] are defective.'
The chamber said it preferred the existing practice of holding by-elections to fill Legco vacancies.
Its view is in stark contrast to that of the General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong Federation of Industries and the Chinese Manufacturers' Association, all of which supported the government.
The government is seeking views on a controversial plan to scrap by-elections because it claims a loophole exists, enabling abuse of the process.
By-elections were triggered last year when five lawmakers quit, claiming the exercise would be a de facto referendum on democracy. All five won and returned to Legco.
In the public consultation ending on Saturday, there are four options, including giving the seat of a lawmaker who resigns to one of his or her running mates in the previous poll.
The International Chamber of Commerce - Hong Kong is made up of leading companies, chambers of commerce and business group.
ICC-HK chairman Lee Jark-pui is a director of Lippo Limited. Its vice-chairman, Dr George Cautherley, is a core member of Citizens' Commission on Constitutional Development.
The commission urged the government to withdraw its proposal in the submission, filed on Friday.
A spokesman for the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said the government would carefully consider the submissions received.
