Fact-finding mission consulting widely on Tung
Teams of mainland officials who were rushed to Hong Kong during the past week to assess the political crisis have met democratic lawmakers and pro-democracy academics to gauge their views on public discontent and the controversial Article 23 legislation, it has emerged.
As the city braces for another mass protest today, politicians and academics say the rare move to engage with the democrats - some of whom who are denied entry to the mainland on political grounds - is a clear sign the central government is not happy with the information it is getting through official channels.
They say in the wake of this month's displays of public anger, formal communication channels, such as the Beijing Liaison Office, have failed to accurately present a full picture of the people's discontent with the draft bill and the administration of Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa.
Democratic Party chairman Yeung Sum last night confirmed that some mainland officials had requested separate meetings with a few of his party members, although he was not on the list himself.
More than 10 democrats, including Dr Yeung, are still barred from visiting the mainland.