Government supporters appointed to key public body spark criticism
An opposition figure hit out at the government for appointing supporters of Leung Chun-ying to a key public body that advises the administration on sustainable development and controls a HK$100 million fund.
An opposition figure hit out at the government yesterday for appointing supporters of Leung Chun-ying to a key public body that advises the administration on sustainable development and controls a HK$100 million fund.
Executive Councillor Arthur Li Kwok-cheung - a staunch supporter of the chief executive - will take over from Bernard Chan as the chairman of the Council for Sustainable Development from next month.
Youth Commission chairman Bunny Chan Chung-bun, a government loyalist, and an executive director of developer Sino Land, Daryl Ng Win-kong, regarded as a pro-establishment figure, were also appointed as new members. Both men play important roles in the secretive new uniformed group, the Hong Kong Army Cadets Association.
The other 10 new members include North District councillor Lau Kwok-fan of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong and Kwun Tong District councillor Tang Wing-chun, who both backed Leung when he ran for the top job.
The vice-chancellor of Chinese University, Professor Joseph Sung Jao-yiu, and the managing director of Cheung Kong Victor Li Tzar-kuoi are among those leaving.
Civic Party legislator Kenneth Chan Ka-lok, the deputy chairman of the Legislative Council's Panel on Environmental Affairs, said the latest appointments showed yet again the Leung administration "emphasises loyalty more than competence".
"The council needs people that can think outside the box, those who can challenge government policies for a meaningful discussion," he said. "If there are too many members who are on the same page with the government, it would just become a government mouthpiece."
A government spokesman said: "The council membership represents a balanced mix of stakeholders from different sectors of the community including the environmental, social services and business sectors."
He also said the government would continue to work closely with the council in promoting sustainable development.
