CY Leung should settle the 'illegal structure' issue once and for all
Barely in office five months, Leung Chun-ying has already been hit by scandals involving his team members and a series of policy setbacks, such as a U-turn on national education and deadlock over a new old-age allowance. The situation worsened after his account of the illegal structures found in his residence on The Peak raised more questions than answers. Confronted by a non-binding no-confidence motion in Legco and the threat of a mass protest on January 1, the chief executive is fighting an uphill battle to restore public trust. It is imperative he weathers the crisis and gets on with tackling the pressing challenges facing Hong Kong.
The political tension was reflected in a public consultation session on the government's budget and his first policy speech. Instead of discussing policy initiatives and spending priorities in a rational manner, the town hall meeting on Monday was drowned out by protesters demanding Leung to step down. Others seized the opportunity to question him about television licensing and the illegal-structures affair. While the right to protest is to be respected, it would be unacceptable if others' right to speak is curbed as a result. Another two sessions will be held next week. Efforts should be made to ensure they are conducted in an orderly fashion. It would be meaningless if the forums become shouting matches.
Given the fresh questions in the illegal structures fiasco, the popular anger is understandable. Why did Leung, a professional surveyor, just wall up an unauthorised basement as a remedy without seeking the Buildings Department's approval? Why did he claim the space was 200 square feet when in fact it is 60 per cent bigger? Why did the enforcement by the department appear to be not as vigorous as it should be? Why did Leung pick on his rival's illegal basement during the chief executive race, but remain silent about his own case? Why did he claim this was the first time he had dealt with an illegal structure, even though he handled another fixture at his Stanley home 12 years ago?
The questions still hang in the air. The public outcry shows people have yet to put the controversy behind them. It is good that Leung recognises the need to explain further and plans to give an account before Legco. At stake is the chief executive's authority to govern. He must settle the controversy once and for all and rebuild confidence in his leadership. Otherwise, it will be difficult for Hong Kong to move on.
