'Beijing's opponents cannot become chief executive', says Li Fei
Li Fei, chairman of the Basic Law Committee, reiterates that chief executive candidates must back one-party system
People opposed to the central government cannot become the chief executive, a Beijing official reiterated in Hong Kong on Friday.
Li Fei, chairman of the Basic Law Committee, made the remarks as he addressed about 100 guests at a luncheon at Government House.
“The chief executive is accountable to the central government as well as the Hong Kong SAR, this means that the post must be taken up by a person who loves the country as well as Hong Kong – anyone opposed to the central government cannot [take up the top job],” Li said.
He warned that having a person opposed to the central government leading the city could deal a serious blow to the relationship between Beijing and the city, as well as Hong Kong’s stability.
Li’s predecessor Qiao Xiaoyang made similar comments in March, sparking worries among pan-democrats that Beijing was hinting that pro-democracy candidates could be ousted during the nominating process.
Pan-democrats have been advocating public nomination to alleviate worries about screening.