Beijing casts net wide for advisers

ONE out of four public office holders on Hong Kong district boards and municipal councils has been appointed by China in its first batch of district affairs advisers.

On top of the 128 office bearers in Hong Kong's district councils, China extended its united front to another 146 prominent community leaders and one legislator.

The group will advise Beijing on local district affairs up to 1997.

Notwithstanding the 274 community leaders offered the new title, China is prepared to enlarge the team of district affairs advisers in the near future.

With the change in sovereignty 31/2 years away, China's team of district affairs advisers is comparable to those serving the British Hong Kong administration.

One hundred and eight out of 414 district board members were offered the title, including 20 out of 76 municipal councillors.