Some local members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference complained yesterday about a lack of communication with the Hong Kong government, after central authorities urged them to play a more active role in the city's affairs.
The comments came as the conference passed a political resolution, with a paragraph saying the organisation should 'improve the mechanism to help Hong Kong and Macau delegates fully play their roles, support their active participation in social and political affairs in their regions, and encourage them to contribute to the country's development and social stability'.
While agreeing that their roles should be strengthened, delegate and Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong vice-chairwoman Ann Chiang Lai-wan said: 'Since the chief executive's office opened a website for local National People's Congress and CPPCC members three years ago, I have posted several proposals there but have never got any reply.'
However, other delegates, including former secretary for home affairs Patrick Ho Chi-ping, executive councillor Lawrence Lau Juen-yee and DAB legislator Chan Kam-lam, did not even know about the website until asked by reporters.
'Perhaps there hasn't been much publicity and we haven't noticed it [the website],' Mr Chan said.
'There has long been a lack of communication between CPPCC members and the Hong Kong government. Many members have been avoiding contact with the SAR government for fear of accusations that they were interfering with Hong Kong's administration ... This is changing now as economic and social ties between the mainland and Hong Kong grow.'