Tung Chee-hwa chides moderate pan-democrats over political reform

Eschewing the traditionally quiet role of an ex-leader of the city, former Hong Kong chief executive Tung Chee-hwa on Wednesday made his fourth public political statement of the year in support the government’s reform plan.

Tung, who was the city’s first chief executive and served from 1997 to 2005, on Wednesday urged moderate pan-democrats not to succumb to influence from their fellow radicals in voting down the package of electoral reforms.

“Some pan-democrats may know well that it is in Hong Kong’s interest and that is what most people want if the reform can get passed. But they fear they would be labelled as making a U turn, betraying democracy,” Tung said at a press conference he called specifically to voice his message.

“I urge them to think twice … We are at the turning point of the history. It calls for most rational pan-democrats to show their intelligence and commitment and the courage of having an independent mind, to refuse to be tied up. Vote according to political consciousness so as to fulfil the aspiration of five million Honkongers that there can be universal suffrage .”

Democratic Party chairwoman Emily Lau Wai-hing criticised Tung for trying to exerting pressure on the pan-democrats. “If he thinks that Hongkong will be seriously affected if the package cannot be passed, he should go to Beijing to persuade the state leaders to revise their framework and allow Hongkong people genuine universal suffrage,” she said.

Tung said the government’s package was a starting point for the “one man, one vote” ideal. “It provides a solid foundation for Hong Kong to further develop its constitutional system.”