Long on hairstyle but short on real sincerity

WHEN LEUNG KWOK-HUNG received a letter from the Home Affairs Bureau inviting him to serve on government advisory boards and committees, the luxuriant locks which earned him the nickname 'Long Hair' must have stood on end. He is more accustomed to getting arrest warrants from the administration than requests for his opinion.

Mr Leung turned down the chance to give the benefit of his wisdom to the bodies that help civil service chiefs to formulate policies, saying he did not want to be bound by the rules of confidentiality and collective responsibility. He prefers to bellow his opinions in front of television cameras; that's more fun, less trouble and gets more attention than making a meaningful contribution.

To be fair, it is difficult to know on what advisory body Mr Leung can best serve. I doubt he will have much to say on the Provisional Council on Reproductive Technology Board or the Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges. But he has a deep and personal knowledge of confronting police on the streets during illegal gatherings, so he can speak up on the Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions.

These three bodies are among 307 consultative and advisory boards that proffer views to government. The range is encyclopedic. They cover topics from complex medical issues to social problems, from pensions to aviation to fishermen's rights. Surely, in this enormous plethora of public concern, there is a niche for Mr Leung? Sadly, no.

The Government makes strenuous efforts to fill slots on the boards and committees it consults on issues which affect Hong Kongers every day. It seeks experts where professional expertise or skilled knowledge is needed. But it also wants the grassroots opinions of ordinary citizens. After all, we're the ones ultimately affected when boards propose and Government disposes.

So last October, the Home Affairs Bureau invited more than 100 people to serve on boards and committees. Among them were all candidates of the 2000 Legislative Council elections. This included Mr Leung.