Hong Kong delegates to national advisory body play crucial role
The representatives from the city to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference may be friendly towards Beijing but coming from diverse backgrounds, they can also help foster better Hong Kong-mainland ties
The time when officials were expected to keep a low profile after stepping down from government office has long gone. Increasingly, many continue to play an active role in public affairs, including serving in various capacities at the national level.
Given their experience in facing the public and dealing with central government officialdom, they can help foster better Hong Kong-mainland relations.
Dozens of new faces from Hong Kong join top China advisory body
There are those who believe that the positions are handed out as a reward for political allegiance. Some also question whether it will fuel expectations among incumbent officials, so much so that they may try their best to please Beijing and compromise Hong Kong’s interest. We hope this is not the case. Top officials are required to serve the city wholeheartedly, while giving due regard to national development interest. The two are not necessarily in conflict.
Of the 2,158 CPPCC delegates from around the country, about 200 are from Hong Kong. The appointments also mark one of the biggest reshuffles for the city in recent years, with more than 50 new faces. Some of them are known for being outspoken.