HK Indians should steer clear of politics

I AM an Indian businessman and would like to comment on a letter which appeared in the South China Morning Post on April 8, written by Mr Notan Tolani of Tsim Sha Tsui.

Mr Tolani's comments that Mr Hari Harilela has been appointed an adviser by China, not necessarily because he is the leader of the Indian community, are not acceptable.

Right from the beginning Mr Harilela served on the Basic Law Consultative Committee as a nominee of the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

This position helped him to be appointed as an adviser.

Furthermore, while announcing the appointment as adviser, the press release described Mr Hari Harilela as a wealthy businessman, hotelier and Honorary Permanent President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

Perhaps, Mr Harilela himself will be in a better position to answer whether he is there as representative of the Indian community or not.

Mr Tolani has supported Mr Harilela's statement opposing Mr Patten's democracy plans. I feel Mr Harilela, identified as one of the leaders of the Indian community, should have refrained from making these comments against Governor Patten.