Even a controlled election, Hong Kong-style, is better than nothing. The current race at least gives us a chance to examine the views of the man who will likely govern us for the next five years.
In 2005, Donald Tsang Yam-kuen's election vision was to implement the 'one country, two systems' principle, anchor Hong Kong as 'Asia's world city', and advance Hong Kong as a stable and prosperous city.
In this year's election platform, he wants to 'build' Hong Kong as China's international financial centre, 'drive' the economy ahead, 'secure an essential role' for the city in the nation's development, and consolidate our position as a world city.
But isn't Hong Kong already China's international financial centre? Haven't we played that role for a very long time?
Mr Tsang's supporters would likely reply by saying that Hong Kong cannot be complacent. That is true, but it doesn't explain why they would present as the candidate's top vision something that Hong Kong has already achieved.
His stated objectives and campaign action plan focus on seeking mainland support for promoting Hong Kong, and getting the city's financial institutions to seek more opportunities on the mainland.
There is nothing wrong with exploring what more can be done vis-a-vis the mainland. The problem with Mr Tsang is that his platform is about identifying specific opportunities for some businesses. For example, it proposes increasing the allowable maximum level of shareholding by Hong Kong banks in mainland banks, and allowing Hong Kong banks to conduct more business on the same conditions as mainland domestic banks.
