Vice-President Xi Jinping yesterday essentially called for an end to the chaos and scandal-mongering in the city's chief executive election.
In a meeting in Beijing, Xi (inset) told Hong Kong delegates to the National People's Congress not to focus on personal interests but to take care of the overall well-being of the city and state, according to Maria Tam Wai-chu, who was at the meeting.
Politicians and analysts said Xi's remark was code intended to remind the supporters of both front runners, Henry Tang Ying-yen and Leung Chun-ying, to refrain from further smear campaigns.
'This year marks the 15th anniversary of the handover and the chief executive election will also be held,' Tam said. 'The vice-president said patriots of China and Hong Kong should serve as role models to prioritise the overall interests of the country above their personal interests, to stand tall and look at the bigger picture when contemplating the city's development.'
Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Wang Guangya said society's views and those of Election Committee members were important in choosing the chief executive.
China affairs expert Johnny Lau Yui-siu said Beijing felt that both camps had started to lose control, so it sent a reminder to both sides asking for self-restraint. 'When Xi asked the people to stand tall and look at the bigger picture, he meant the people should make sacrifices for the greater benefit of society,' said Lau.