Party affiliation would help chief executive

Former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa has not been in the headlines for years. Ever since he resigned in 2005, he conscientiously kept a low profile. Even at times when the city was grappling with difficult issues, the former leader refrained from weighing into the debate.

This resonates with the Chinese wisdom for politicians - he who is no longer in the post has no role in its business. So when Tung suddenly called a press conference last Wednesday, Hong Kong was all ears. In his first media session since stepping down, Tung urged the public to support the electoral framework laid down by the National People's Congress Standing Committee. He also joined the debate over Leung Chun-ying's performance, saying the lack of support in Legco had made the job difficult. The problems were with the system, not with the individual, he said.

The flaws identified by Tung are nothing new. But when the diagnosis comes from someone with first-hand experience, it carries more weight. Having suffered from similar problems during his eight-year rule, Tung knows the difficulties well. He was forced to shelve the national security bill in 2003, after one of the loyalist factions caved in at the 11th hour.

The 77-year-old is currently vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. That makes his comments more noteworthy, as it is seen as the first time that the issue of party politics has been raised by a state leader. Whether it signals Beijing's readiness for a change remains unknown. For the Chinese Communist Party, the notion of Hong Kong having a ruling party is politically sensitive. But it is an issue that cannot be dodged in the long run. Tung's remarks are expected to trigger a wider debate on the need to further develop party politics in Hong Kong.

At present, the chief executive is barred from having any party affiliation, even though the Basic Law does not expressly ban it. Without a firm support base in the legislature, the leader has to lobby for votes case by case. This makes effective governance difficult, if not impossible.

The NPC decision deals only with electoral reform for 2017. Even if one person, one vote is implemented, the future leader still needs to consolidate support within the legislature. As we strive to put the right electoral model in place, we should not overlook the need to reform the system of governance. Lifting the ban on the chief executive's ability to be affiliated to a political party will be the first step.