CY Leung ‘can’t rule out’ asking Beijing to interpret Basic Law over Hong Kong oath-taking saga
CY Leung’s comments, which come two days before judicial review on issue, contradict statements from justice minister and other political heavyweights
Watch: Legco oath-taking crisis continues
Leung said: “We hope to do our utmost to resolve it within Hong Kong, but we cannot rule out this possibility.”
According to the Basic Law, the National People’s Congress has the power to interpret the mini-constitution. But the use of such power is a highly sensitive and controversial issue, as improper use of interpretative power would hinder Hong Kong’s judicial independence and rule of law, according to the city’s legal sector .
Veteran Democratic Party lawmaker James To Kun-sun, convenor of a weekly meeting of pan-democratic and localist lawmakers, said Leung’s comment was “a de facto interference” in the court’s proceedings.
“It was inappropriate for the government’s head to be talking about Beijing’s interpretation when the case has yet to be heard in the Court of First Instance,” To said.