EVERY night the same message flashes across Hong Kong's television screens: ''If you want your government to listen, make yourself heard.'' The slogan is part of a concerted government voter registration campaign, aimed at averting a humiliatingly low turnout in the three sets of elections to be held over the next 16 months.
But academics and observers fear the drive may be undermined by growing public distrust of politicians following a recent controversy over councillors' abuse of personal allowances.
Already some are saying tighter controls on politicians' expense accounts are not enough to restore public confidence; instead, a mechanism is needed to allow the dismissal of those who lose their constituents' trust.
The disquiet began last year when, despite opposition in public opinion polls, legislators voted themselves a 123 per cent increase in their personal allowances. As a result of the vote, since last May legislators have been able to claim $63,000 a month in office expenses, on top of a $10,000-a-month travelling and entertainment allowance.
Outrage over the increases gained further steam after revelations that appointed legislator Timothy Ha Wing-ho used his expense money to buy an electronic bible, Nikon Zoom F2.8 camera lens, and a copy of the novel Adrian Mole: The Wilderness Years.
No sooner had Mr Ha agreed to repay part of the money, than doubts were raised about fellow councillor Alfred Tso Shiu-wai's use of his allowance to pay for an office that also housed his own businesses.
Mr Tso last week insisted he had done nothing wrong, while other legislators treated with contempt attempts to query their expenses. One said he was too busy playing mahjong to answer any questions on the issue. The doubts have since spread to include at least one District Board member.
