I WOULD agree to be a Hongkong Affairs Adviser to China if the opportunity were offered because I want to do what I can to strengthen co-operation and understanding between Hongkong and China.
I realise that it is a vulnerable position; indeed, I have been, and will be, criticised by some, and particularly by those far removed from local affairs. This is something I have to put up with. But it is important at a time when other channels of communication are failing to open up fresh channels. I believe the appointment of a wider range of advisers can help by substantially increasing the scope for communication.
And according to recent reports, the new batch of advisers is going to be more broadly-based than the group appointed last year. This indicates the desire of the Chinese Government to obtain the views of a wider section of Hongkong people.
As an ''expatriate'', perhaps I can play a part by bringing a somewhat different perspective and dimension to the views that are currently being offered to Beijing.
Indeed, all my Chinese friends have welcomed the idea of someone who is not Chinese being appointed as a Hongkong Affairs Adviser. I hope, too, that it would reassure at least some members of Hongkong's large overseas community.
As someone who has lived in Hongkong for more than half my life, most of it in the field and among the people, and having served in a variety of senior government positions, there are many different ways in which my experience might help.