Event one: a group of 211 'middle-class' persons publish full-page advertisements in Chinese newspapers calling on the Government to seek an interpretation of Basic Law provisions by the National People's Congress Standing Committee to solve a population crisis.
Event two: Bar Association chairman Ronny Tong Ka-wah finds himself the lone opponent of the interpretation option at a seminar organised by the Central Policy Unit on Thursday. Five others, including a University of Hong Kong legal scholar and two senior counsels, endorse the government-preferred option.
One day later, security chief Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee cites support from some legal experts at the seminar to argue that not all lawyers oppose the idea.
Event three: scores of protesters outside an Executive Council meeting at the Central Government Offices petition the Government to go for the interpretation move. They included member unions of the pro-Beijing Federation of Trade Unions.
These events reflect the depth of unease in Lower Albert Road and among some segments in the community over the vehement attacks against the possible option of seeking a Standing Committee interpretation.
If the Government is not confident of getting an absolute majority of support from the community over the option, it has to make sure the voices of support are heard aloud here and in Beijing.
