Pan-dems have room for better engagement
- Pan-democrats have turned down an invitation to a Spring Festival reception at the Central Government’s Liaison Office
- While it is unrealistic to expect them to be close to mainland officials, there is still a place for better cooperation under “one country, two systems”
Chinese spring receptions are loaded with symbolic meanings, even more so when put in the political context of Hong Kong.
For the first time, the Central Government’s Liaison Office will open the door to all lawmakers from across the political spectrum in a reception on Tuesday, when the Chinese celebrate joy and togetherness during the Spring Festival.
But the invitation by director Wang Zhimin was turned down by pan-democrats. The cold shoulder is unsurprising given the prevailing circumstances, but it only entrenches the long-standing divide that is fuelling mistrust and holding back the city’s development.
There are those who think that the pan-democrats should put aside ideological differences and accept the invitation.
After all, it is just a reception to reciprocate the lunch for Wang by Legislative Council president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen at the Legco complex last April.