PLANS for weeks of cultural, sporting and community events before and after handover came under fire yesterday.
Independent legislators questioned whether Hong Kong would have reason to celebrate.
Their comments were made as former Tuen Mun district officer Peter Leung Pak-yan, was revealed as the Government's candidate to co-ordinate the historic ceremony.
In a submission seeking approval from the Legislative Council to create the post, the Home Affairs Branch said it needed to set up a special office with 10 support staff which is expected to cost about $6 million a year in salaries.
Events would range from district-based functions to those attracting interest from across the territory.
They would involve a variety of cultural, sporting and community events held in the weeks leading up the handover and afterwards.
They could even be sponsored by private enterprise. The submission said the co-ordinator's duties would involve fund-raising or sponsorship, while funding would be sought from Legco 'if necessary'.
